Programs of the FWC

"Programs of the FWC 2023-24" is available as a PDF file.

From the Executive Director...

We appreciate your interest in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Florida has very diverse and invaluable living resources which is the focus of the FWC’s mission - managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people. This document explains how the FWC is structured, and how we deliver on our mission.

Florida is home to one of the country’s top destinations for world-class fishing and unique hunting opportunities. The economic impact on our state through hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing is tremendous with nearly 15 billion dollars contributing to our state’s economy. 

Whether you're fishing for largemouth bass, hunting deer or turkey, or focusing your binoculars on ospreys or right whales, you are experiencing some of the wildlife and wild lands that are under the watchful eye of our agency. Across the state, the FWC team works hard to protect these resources to ensure safe and enjoyable outdoor recreation.

Accomplishing our mission requires teamwork among policymakers, conservation professionals, and highly trained law enforcement. Our policy is guided by commissioners, appointed by the Governor, who serve as volunteers to be the trustees of fish and wildlife resources. We work closely with a diverse group of public and private partners and consider the public part of our team.

With more than 34 million acres of public and private land and over 12,000 square miles of water, maintaining our fish and wildlife resources is critical to sustaining a healthy way of life and a robust economy. We work to conserve and manage the natural areas that not only offer residents and visitors outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities but also provide tens of thousands of jobs. The activities we support: fishing, hunting, boating, wildlife viewing – are often critical economic pillars for our state and for our ability to accomplish our mission. 

Sportsmen and women and other outdoor enthusiasts are the cornerstone of our mission and history and have been for generations. The fundamental principle of our country’s wildlife management structure is that oversight of these resources is largely entrusted to states, with all citizens owning an equal share. This conservation approach is referred to as the North American Model. Our efforts at the FWC rely upon the communications, funding and support of Florida’s residents and visitors.

We encourage you to participate in our commission meetings, write and call our staff, sit on advisory groups, buy fishing and hunting licenses, and subscribe to our communications products. Working together, the FWC, Floridians and visitors with an interest in the outdoors can help ensure safe and sustainable use of Florida’s fish and wildlife resources.