The purpose of the commission's Marine Fisheries Management Program is to facilitate the responsible and sustained use of Florida's marine life resources.

The program's services include

• developing recommendations for managing commercial and recreational saltwater fisheries resources;
• distribution of federal funds for declared fisheries disasters; 
• providing educational services and outreach to recreational anglers and commercial fishermen;
• serving as a liaison to federal agencies and fishery management councils on marine issues;
• assisting in the development and monitoring of artificial reefs in Florida; and
• trap retrieval, issuing Special Activities Licenses, and conducting audits on commercial fishery houses.

Individuals 16 years of age and older and less than 65 years of age are required to obtain a recreational saltwater fishing license and any associated permits; exemptions may apply. Residents saltwater fishing from land or from a structure fixed to the land may either choose to obtain the license required above or obtain an annual resident shoreline fishing license. A commercial saltwater products license and associated endorsements are required for individuals harvesting saltwater products within state waters, when they intend to sell the products.

Commission data indicate that 97% of Florida's marine fisheries stocks were increasing or stable in Fiscal Year 2019-20. The commission is focusing its efforts on data collection, allowing management of fishing efforts to be more effective and to help ensure more monitored fish stocks are stable or increasing.

Red snapper. Florida was delegated authority to set the recreational red snapper seasons in both state and adjacent federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico in 2020. This year, Florida will have the longest season since the commission began managing the season in state and federal waters at 55-days. Florida is managing Gulf recreational red snapper harvest for the long-term, including data collection and quota monitoring. This season does not apply to commercial fishermen or for-hire/charter vessels with a valid federal Gulf of Mexico Charter/Headboat Permit for Reef Fish.

Snook. The commission recently completed at stock assessment of snook, which showed the fishery is meeting management targets on both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of Florida. The commission will host a Snook Symposium to bring together stakeholders, managers, and researchers to discuss the snook assessment, research, habitat, water quality, and management.

Red Drum (Redfish). The commission will complete a stock assessment of redfish in 2021 and will host a Redfish summit and conduct public workshops. The goals for the summit and workshops are to share the results of the assessment and to gather stakeholder input on the health of the fishery and desired changes in management. Depending on the outcome of the summit and workshops, commission staff may propose a draft rule for commission consideration.

Other Reports
2021 Florida Saltwater Recreational Fishing Regulations, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Websites of Interest
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Inspector General
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Research Institute
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Research Publications
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Strategic Plan
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Performance Information

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

Section 20.331 and Ch. 379, Florida Statutes.

Jessica McCawley, Director, Marine Fisheries Management, 850-487-0554, email:  jessica.mccawley@myfwc.com

Website