Do I Need a License for Spearfishing Florida?

Spearfishing is an ancient and increasingly popular form of fishing. It has been practiced for centuries and is one of the oldest forms of fishing in existence.

In Florida, spearfishing is a popular sport that attracts many anglers each year. But do you need a license for spearfishing in Florida?

The answer to this question is yes, you do need a license for spearfishing in Florida. The state of Florida requires all anglers who wish to engage in any type of saltwater fishing, including spearfishing, to obtain a valid recreational saltwater fishing license from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

This license can be obtained online or at a local county tax collectorโ€™s office. It should be noted that this license does not cover freshwater fishing.

In addition to the recreational saltwater fishing license, there are several other regulations that must be followed when it comes to spearfishing in Florida. Spearfishers must adhere to size limits for fish, as well as daily bag limits.

They must also use non-barbed spears when harvesting species such as snapper and grouper. The use of gaffs or bang sticks is prohibited while spearfishing.

Spearfishers are also expected to follow the same rules and regulations that apply to all recreational fishermen when it comes to protecting their catch until they are ready to release it back into the water or take it home with them. For example, they should never handle fish with their bare hands before releasing them back into the water or storing them on ice.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, if you plan on engaging in spearfishing in Florida you will need a valid recreational saltwater fishing license from the FWC. In addition, you will need to follow all applicable size limits and bag limits as well as obey other regulations regarding the protection of your catch until either released back into the water or taken home with you.

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Daniel Bennet