Gee, ain't this grand...

[Rik]

For immediate release: June 7, 2010

Contact: Henry Cabbage, 850-488-8843

Shoreline fishing license is free to residents, beginning July 1

The shoreline fishing license for Florida residents to catch saltwater fish from shore or a structure affixed to shore cost $9 last year, but this year, it’s free beginning July 1.

The Florida Legislature repealed the shoreline license fee during the past session. However, legislators retained the license requirement to prevent a more-costly federal registration fee from taking effect in Florida.

Resident anglers who obtain the shoreline license over the phone or Internet still will have to pay a convenience fee to the vendor. The convenience fee is $2.31 for Internet sales at http://www.fl.wildlifelicense.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; or $3.33 for phone sales at 888-FISH FLORIDA (888-347-4356).

Only Florida residents qualify for a no-cost shoreline license, and the license does not cover fishing from a boat or from land or a structure accessible only by boat. That requires a regular saltwater fishing license: $17 for residents; for nonresidents the cost is $17 for three days, $30 for seven days or $47 per year.

There are some exemptions for license requirements. More information is available at MyFWC.com/License.

[Chief1600]

So, now they issue the license without even recovering the costs, much less contributing toward the resource. Isn't that special.

[Evan]

Florida has long promoted itself as "The Fishing Capital of the World". And yet, fishing licenses here are among the cheapest in the country - only 3 states had cheaper licenses the last time I checked. Even the regular $17 fee is a joke. As a Colorado resident I paid double that, and I have paid more than that PER DAY to fish in other Western states. I know how you guys feel about government fees, but at the same time, it's just crazy for Florida to shortchange itself like this.

[Rik]

Yep. If you fish you should have a license and you should pay for it. That money should go back to the resource. Like more enforcement.

For years people stood up and demanded license from everyone fishing. The powers to be finally listened, put it in place (even though it really was due to a threat of a federal license if the state didn't do their own) and now they change the price to $0?

Ridiculous.

[justabucup]

Code: Select all

If you fish you should have a license and you should pay for it.

Especially every old man out there poaching to trade trout for old lady *** at the trailer park!

Throw the bums out is not just for the federal level!

[DoubleM]

[Rik]

one side note - that 'convenience fee'? That was put in place when they changed from a Florida vendor to an out of state vendor to handle phone and internet sales. When the Florida company was doing the sales, their fee came out of the license money and was less than the current 'convenience' fee.

[DaveR]

And why does the Fed think it has the right to tax us to fish our waters? This shit is getting way out of hand.

[Rik]

it's not a tax, its a user fee.....

Hey, I'm all for fishing licenses. First, its gets you something to lose if you break the laws. Second, if the money goes towards that resource (and, in these days, that's a big if) I have no problem paying it. A license also gives the govt an idea of how many fishermen there are. That goes a long way when we need something.

I just hate these damn exemptions. Pretty damn simple, if you ask me. If you fish, you pay for a license. Okay, I'll go for one. If you are 15 or younger, you get a no fee license - but you still have to have a license. Start the responsibility thing early.

[JoeS]

I am rapidly reaching the age where I get a free license......I Will Still Buy One..........

[SRQGator]

... trade trout for old lady *** at the trailer park!

The voice of experience!

[JoeS]

... trade trout for old lady *** at the trailer park!

The voice of experience!

Now that's funny Wippersnapper.............