The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's mission is to manage fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

Seven commission members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate to five-year terms.

The commission manages and protects fish and wildlife resources and their habitat by

• conserving and managing habitat for a diversity of species;
• developing and implementing plans for conserving species;
• developing and enforcing fishing and hunting regulations, public access regulations for wildlife management areas, and boating safety laws;
• producing and distributing selected freshwater species of fish;
• providing hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities; and
• researching, monitoring, and conducting surveys of fish and wildlife species.

The commission conducts these activities through six divisions.

• Law Enforcement protects Florida's fish and wildlife resources and the public who enjoy them.
• Fish and Wildlife Research Institute provides timely information and guidance to protect, conserve, and manage Florida's fish and wildlife resources.
• Habitat and Species Conservation ensures healthy populations of all native species and their habitats on a statewide basis.
• Hunting and Game Management facilitates the safe, responsible, and sustained use of Florida's wildlife.
• Freshwater Fisheries Management manages, enhances, and conserves Florida's fresh water aquatic life for public benefit.
• Marine Fisheries Management facilitates the responsible and sustained use of Florida's marine life resources.

In addition, the commission's Executive Direction and Administrative Services program supports agency programs by providing budget, legal, and other administrative services.

Venomous Reptiles. The 2023 Legislature enacted Ch. 2023-129, Laws of Florida, revising the violations and penalties for the unlawful purchase, sale, and importation of venomous reptile and the intentional or gross negligent escape of nonnative venomous reptiles to a third-degree felony. Level Four violations are punishable by up to five years imprisonment and up to a $5,000 fine.

Other Reports
Agency Strategic Plan 2020-2024, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, May 6, 2020
2022-23 Programs of the FWC, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
A complete list of Auditor General reports is available on its website

Websites of Interest
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Inspector General
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Legislative Affairs
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Research Publications
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Performance Information

Performance measures and standards for the department may be found in its Long Range Program Plan.

Article IV, section 9 of the Florida Constitution and ss. 20.331 and  20.3311 and Chs. 379 and 327, Florida Statutes

Colonel Roger Young, Executive Director, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 850-487-3796, e-mail: eric.sutton@myfwc.com
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