The bill amends Florida Statutes to require licensure for operating freshwater fishing vessels under certain conditions, aligning the regulations for freshwater and saltwater fishing. Specifically, it introduces new provisions that mandate a license for any vessel used to take or attempt to take freshwater fish for noncommercial purposes, similar to existing requirements for saltwater fishing. The bill outlines various licensing fees based on the capacity of the vessel, with fees set at $800 for vessels carrying more than 10 customers, $400 for those carrying up to 10 customers, and $200 for vessels carrying 4 or fewer customers. Additionally, it establishes a $2,000 fee for recreational vessels not for hire.

The bill also makes conforming amendments to related statutes, ensuring that the definitions and requirements for fishing licenses are consistent across both freshwater and saltwater contexts. It clarifies that individuals fishing from licensed vessels are not required to obtain separate fishing licenses, provided the vessel operator holds the appropriate license. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 673 Filed: 379.354, 212.06