In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has issued a safety alert for boaters. The storm has significantly impacted many coastal and inland waterways in Florida, prompting the FWC to prioritize public safety.
The recreational harvest season for snook will begin on October 1 in the Charlotte Harbor and Southwest management regions. The season will remain open through November 30, covering all Florida state and inland waters within these areas.
Today, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-208, Emergency Management – Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, declaring a state of emergency in 41 Florida counties ahead of the storm. The weather is expected to strengthen and cover a large area, affecting regions beyond its center into Florida. There is a considerable risk of storm surge, coastal flooding and erosion, heavy rainfall and flash flooding, as well as damaging winds. Preparation is critical to staying safe and minimizing severe weather impacts. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)...
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is launching the Florida panther Payment for Ecosystem Services pilot program. The initiative aims to benefit private landowners and the panther population by providing per-acre payments for habitat conditions that support panther conservation and landscape connectivity.
At its September meeting in Duck Key, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved rule amendments creating a block grant option within the established FWC derelict vessel and public nuisance vessel removal grant program.
At its September meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved changes to the marine fisheries trip ticket reporting requirements.
Today, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and partners celebrated a successful 2024 Florida Python Challenge™ by announcing the final results and winners of the 10-day competition. This year, 857 participants from 33 states and Canada helped support Everglades conservation by collectively removing 195 invasive Burmese pythons from South Florida as part of the competition, with the Ultimate Grand Prize winner removing a total of 20 pythons. The aim of the Florida Python Challenge™ is to increase awareness about invasive species and the threats they...
At its September meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) proposed changes to improve the Marine Special Activity License (SAL) program licensing process, accommodate additional requested activities, and update provisions to several license types.
At its September meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved classifying the oceanic whitetip shark as a prohibited species within Florida state waters.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will host a public meeting on October 10 from 6-8 p.m. to discuss FWC activities and conditions on Orange, Lochloosa, and Newnans lakes. The meeting will also feature guest speakers from the St. Johns River Water Management District and the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department.
The ninth edition of the FWC Lionfish Challenge concluded on September 2, with competitors battling until the last minute and breaking the record set in 2023. Participants showcased their determination to rid Florida waters of invasive lionfish and claim the titles of Lionfish King or Queen and Commercial Champion.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with Wildlife Forever, is hosting the 2024-2025 Art of Conservation Fish Art Contest. The annual program invites youth from around the world to connect with nature and learn about fish and aquatic habitats while exploring creative art and writing. Since its founding in 1997, the Fish Art Contest has reached over 85,000 youth in 46 countries, building future stewards of the outdoors.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced a significant milestone for its TrophyCatch program, marking the approval of 15,000 trophy bass catches.
As fall approaches, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding residents that the state's black bears are increasing their activity in search of food before winter. Following BearWise® practices such as securing garbage and removing food attractants can help prevent negative interactions with bears and other wildlife.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will convene in person on September 17-18 at the Hawks Cay Resort, located at 61 Hawks Cay Blvd., Duck Key, FL 33050. The meeting will commence at 8:30 a.m. ET each day and is open to the public.
The fall red snapper season for private recreational anglers and state for-hire operations in the Gulf of Mexico will be open on specific weekends from September 1 through November 30.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will hold a public meeting to discuss aquatic habitat management in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes on Wednesday, September 18. The meeting is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. at the UF/IFAS Extension Office, located at 1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee, FL, 34744.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is emphasizing boater safety as Labor Day weekend approaches. This period traditionally marks the unofficial end of summer, prompting many Florida residents and visitors to take to the water. FWC officers will be on heightened patrol during the holiday weekend, focusing on identifying reckless or impaired vessel operators and other hazardous boating behaviors.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has issued a reminder for beachgoers this Labor Day weekend about the ongoing nesting activities of sea turtles and shorebirds on Florida's beaches. The FWC emphasizes the importance of giving these species space, removing beach gear at night, keeping beaches clean and dark, and filling in holes dug in the sand before leaving.