Florida is the top fishing destination in the United States and recreational fishing has an estimated $7.5 billion annual economic impact on Florida’s economy.
The Situation
Florida State Senator Joe Negron (R-Stuart) introduced a bill, S.B. 744, which would eliminate resident and non-resident fishing licenses.
This misguided legislation would seek to dismantle the “user-pay, user-benefit” fisheries management system which is unarguably the best fisheries management program in the world. Florida receives a substantial portion of its funding for fisheries management and conservation through a combination of state fishing license sales and the federal manufacturers excise tax on fishing tackle.
Eliminating saltwater licenses would simply funnel anglers’ license fees to the federal government instead of the state. Federal law requires all anglers fishing in saltwater or for anadromous species to enroll in a federal registry program and pay a federal fee. A Florida saltwater license eliminates that requirement. Revenue from the federal registry would go directly into the National Treasury. In this system, users pay but do not benefit.
If SB 744 passes, Florida’s entire fisheries management system and the recreational fishing economy would be devastated. This can’t be allowed to happen.
Act Now!
Follow this link to send a message to your state Senator and Senator Negron to express your opposition to this misguided legislation. Please take action now to ensure that the Florida’s recreational fisheries management is not undercut. Send your message today!
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