This 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 mandates that individuals cannot operate a vessel for taking or possessing fish for noncommercial purposes without obtaining the appropriate license and paying the associated fees. The bill establishes various fee structures based on the number of customers a vessel can carry, with licenses ranging from $200 to $800 per year. Additionally, it clarifies that a log of species taken must be maintained and submitted at the time of license renewal.

The bill also makes conforming amendments to related statutes, ensuring that the definitions and requirements for fishing licenses are consistent across freshwater and saltwater contexts. Notably, it specifies that individuals fishing from licensed vessels are exempt from needing individual fishing licenses. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 834 Filed: 379.354, 212.06