Governor Ron DeSantis has signed an executive order for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to offer significant discounts on certain resident hunting and fishing licenses until January 3, 2025.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding organizations that the application period for the 2025 Vamos A Pescar™ Grant Program will soon close.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) TrophyCatch program is set to honor the top 15 bass catches of the past season with a ceremony that will include awards and prizes.
November marks Manatee Awareness Month, prompting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to remind boaters to be vigilant as manatees migrate to warmer waters across the state.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is organizing a public hearing regarding the Suwannee Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Area Management Plan Amendment.
Hogfish recreational fishing will be temporarily closed in both state and federal waters off Florida's east coast and the Florida Keys starting November 1.
The recreational harvest of greater amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico will be closed starting November 1, following the last day of harvest on October 31.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has initiated a project to manage aquatic plants on Lake Okeechobee starting the week of October 28.
Archery and crossbow seasons in Zone D are set to commence on October 26, marking the start of deer season outside the wildlife management area system.
Florida, known as "The Boating Capital of the World," is dealing with the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which displaced hundreds of vessels across the state. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has responded by deploying 17 additional officers and three derelict vessel specialists to southwest Florida. These teams are tasked with locating, identifying, and investigating vessels rendered derelict by the storms.
Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a $1 million investment from the Florida Disaster Fund to aid in rebuilding marine infrastructure damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The funding, awarded to the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, will be used for repairs across the Big Bend region, including boat slips, docks, fish houses, and aquaculture businesses.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has issued a reminder to the public about the optimal time for excluding bats from buildings. While Florida's 13 native bat species usually roost in natural settings, they sometimes seek shelter in human-made structures. With the end of bat maternity season on August 15, it is now permissible to exclude bats from homes and other buildings.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced its continued partnership with the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) to fund youth fishing education in Florida through the Vamos a Pescar initiative. This program aims to educate Hispanic youth and families about ethical angling, conservation, fishing gear, and basic fishing skills.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced that several rivers in the state are experiencing significant flooding due to Hurricane Milton. The affected rivers include the Suwannee/Santa Fe, St. Johns, and Withlacoochee rivers. As a result of rising floodwaters, safety measures have been implemented to protect the public.
Last month, Governor Ron DeSantis proclaimed September 28 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Florida. This proclamation acknowledges the contributions of hunters and anglers to conservation efforts through license purchases and excise taxes on equipment.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Catch a Florida Memory program concluded another successful year with its Triple Threat Throwdown event. The competition awarded a Fishing Kayak Bundle to Brian Ferreira, who was selected as the winner. Ferreira received a Bonafide P127 kayak equipped with a fishing package from Mustad Fishing and a Safety Bundle from Russ Vorhis-State Farm Insurance.
The stone crab harvest season commenced on October 15 and will continue until May 1, closing the following day. The minimum size limit for stone crab claws is set at 2 7/8 inches.
Due to the recent impacts of hurricanes Milton and Helene, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced an extension for the application deadline of the Florida Panther Payment for Ecosystem Services Pilot Program. The new deadline is set for October 31, providing additional time for those affected by the storms to submit their applications.