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Special Activity Licenses (SAL)

About the Program

The Marine Special Activity License (SAL) Program issues licenses for activities that require a waiver of marine fisheries regulations.  Activities that we license include (but are not limited to): scientific research, education, exhibition, aquaculture, the use of non-conforming gear (for research purposes only), the testing of innovative gear, the use of marine chemicals, the release of marine organisms, and the use of dredges for harvesting marine organisms.

Specific information regarding how Special Activity Licenses are issued and the program is managed may be found in FWC rule 68B-8, Florida Administrative Code.  Program policies and a flow chart that are incorporated into the rule by reference are as follows:

If you have not applied for a license before or if you have any questions regarding licensing, we encourage you to contact us before you apply.  SAL program staff may be contacted at: 850-487-0554; or e-mail: SAL@MyFWC.com.

Temporary Possession for Marine Educators

Marine educators may apply for an Aquatic Species Collection Certificate (ASCC) to collect and temporarily possess aquatic organisms for up to 30 days for educational purposes. The ASCC requires a training course that introduces educators to the certificate, how to conduct collection activities under certificate requirements, and best fishing practices. 

Those interested in obtaining an Aquatic Species Collection Certificate (ASCC) may complete the required training through any of the authorized workshop vendors listed below: 

FWC Authorized Training Vendors for ASCC:

Florida Marine Science Educators Association  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an ASCC and an Education Special Activities License (ESAL)? Expand/Collapse What is the difference between an ASCC and an Education Special Activities License (ESAL)?

The ASCC is designed for individual formal and informal educators. It provides exemptions from certain saltwater and freshwater resource regulations, allowing educators to collect and temporarily possess aquatic organisms for up to 30 days for educational purposes. Under the ASCC, permanent possession is not authorized. 

ESALs provide similar authorization but are intended for larger facilities such as aquariums or state park educational facilities and allow for permanent possession of organisms as well as temporary possession. ESALs also authorize additional collecting gear, such as trawls.  

If your ASCC was issued before July 29, 2026, it is grandfathered under the previous rule and remains valid until it expires. Upon its expiration, you will need to retake the training course and apply for a new certification under the updated certification standards.  

No. Any permanent collection of aquatic species for educational purposes will need an ESAL.  

The following species are authorized for temporary collection. 

  • Marine Species: Any non-prohibited marine finfish and/or non-sessile invertebrates.  
  • Freshwater Species: Any native freshwater finfish and/or crustaceans and peacock bass. 

The following species are NOT authorized under an ASCC: marine coral species, marine and freshwater prohibited species, rooted marine or freshwater aquatic/emergent plants, sessile marine and freshwater invertebrates, and mangrove propagules.  

Notice to SAL applicants and SAL holders

Special Activity Licenses issued by the FWC do not authorize any activities in:

  • State parks, unless a permit has also been obtained from the Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks.
  • National parks.
  • Federal Waters - the federal Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which is any area seaward of 3 nautical miles on the Atlantic and 9 nautical miles on the Gulf.  The exceptions being species that are managed solely by the State of Florida and state regulations are extended into federal waters.
  • Zoned areas of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) in Monroe County.  Zoned areas include Ecological Reserves (ERs), Sanctuary Preservation Areas (SPAs), and Special Use Areas (including Research Only (RO) areas).

Some activities conducted within any area of the FKNMS may need to be licensed by the Sanctuary such as coral collection, live rock/live sand collection, placement of equipment on the sea floor, and use of prohibited gear.  For information on whether your activities may need to be licensed by the Sanctuary, please vist The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary:

  • Manatee Limited Entry Areas.  Exemptions to operate in these areas (for research purposes only) must be requested by an SAL applicant during the application process, or requested by an SAL holder through the license-amendment process.
  • Manatee Entangling Gear Zones. Exemptions to use entangling gear in these areas (for research purposes only) must be requested by an SAL applicant during the application process, or requested by an SAL holder through the license-amendment process.

FWC Coral and Octocoral Mitigation Relocation Recommendations

FWC Coral and Octocoral Mitigation Relocation Recommendations

Protocols for the Management of In-Water Coral Nurseries, Coral Transport, and Coral Outplanting in Florida

Protocols for the Management of In-Water Coral Nurseries, Coral Transport, and Coral Outplanting in Florida.

Text only ADA-compliant version.

New Online Application System

Applicants for Education/Exhibition, Scientific Research, and Aquaculture Broodstock Collection Special Activities Licenses (SALs) are encouraged to use our new online application system. Please follow the links below to submit your application electronically. 

If you prefer to continue using the PDF application form, please select the appropriate form from the options provided below and send to SAL@MyFWC.com.

Application Forms

Tagging

All activities that involve the tagging of marine organisms must be authorized pursuant to a Special Activity License.  A tag is defined as any internal or external device or other marking, placed in or on an organism for the purpose of identification.  Fishing tournament directors (or their designee) are exempt from this requirement, but may only tag up to five (5) fish per tournament for purposes of awarding prizes to tournament participants.

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