Florida Hurricane Fisheries Disaster Relief

The 2024 hurricane season has significantly impacted Florida, with hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton making direct landfalls on the sunshine state. FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management is pursing every possible source of fishery disaster relief funding. To assist FWC’s efforts, you may be contacted and surveyed on your fishery damages and losses. To assist FWC in these efforts, please review the below bullets to help ensure you have the necessary information.

• Photographs: Take photographs, documenting 1) the damages, 2) the repairs, and 3) the completed repair process.
• Receipts: Keep receipts of all items purchased relevant to responding to your fishery business. It is best if the receipt includes the payment type. For invoices of contracted work, or larger fiscal purchases, a “PAID” stamp and remaining balance of $0.00 are best.
  • Keep items purchased for the fishery business separate from non-fishery items. For example, if you are buying lumber for both your house and your wholesale business, split the purchases into two receipts. For past receipts that were not split, highlight fishery-related expenses.
• Expense Report: Create a spreadsheet, documenting the expenses. The spreadsheet should include dates, receipt totals, items purchased, and store.  
• Vessel Condition: Note the status of the boat, including any damage.
• Landings: Keep a detailed record of any fish or other marine life caught just before the hurricane, including quantities and species
• Commercial Gear and Equipment: Document the condition and location of fishing gear, nets, traps, and other equipment.
• Insurance and Financial Records: Keep copies of insurance policies and any financial documentation related to the vessel and fishing operations.
• Charter Trip Details: Note scheduled trips, including dates, locations, and planned activities.
  • Try to retain income documentation for previous years.
• Charter Gear and Equipment Inventory: Note the condition and location of fishing gear, tackle, and any other equipment.
• Dealer Inventory Records: Keep detailed records of all seafood inventory, including quantities, species, and storage conditions.
• Dealer Facility Condition: Assess and document the condition of the storage facility, including potential vulnerabilities and any damage incurred.
• Dealer Shipping and Receiving Logs: Document any incoming or outgoing shipments and the status of deliveries affected by the storm.
• Bait & Tackle Facility Condition: Assess and document the condition of the facility and other related infrastructure.

Below are updates applicable to the Florida fishery. If you have any questions, please contact the Division of Marine Fisheries Management at 850-487-0554 or our dedicated fishery relief email at HurricaneRelief@MyFWC.com.