Freshwater Fishing Regulations

The 2011-2012 summary of Florida's freshwater fishing rules and regulations can be read by choosing one of the following options:

• Complete official rules can be found in the Wildlife Code online. 
• A flip-page version, to read and navigate on line.
• A full printable version ( 7.1MB), or
• Reduced-size version ( 3.2MB; no-ads limited images) for easier printing.
• Select items from the table of contents below.

Other regulatory resources include:

• Florida Statutes (for freshwater fishing see Chapter 379, F.S.)
• The Florida Constitution (FWC Article IV, Section 9)
• Commercial Freshwater Fishing Regulations (3.2MB)

 Table of Contents

Introduction

New Rule Changes

Fishing License Requirements and Fees

Do I Need a License

Methods of Taking Fish

Methods of Taking Bait

Release/Movement of Fish

Taking and Possession of Freshwater Mussels

General Statewide Bag and Length Limits

Special Bag and Length Limits

Fish Management Areas

Regional Map

Northwest

North Central

Northeast

Southwest

South