FWC News

Showing 11 through 20 of 332 articles for tag regulations

• FWC Commissioners approve final rule establishing new boating restricted area in Broward County           

  Thursday, November 6, 2025 -  This decision aims to mitigate a public safety risk created by vessel traffic congestion.

• FWC approves rule changes for Gulf lane snapper 

  Wednesday, November 5, 2025 -  These changes are intended to reduce the risk of overfishing, mitigate the likelihood of early closures, and increase consistency between Gulf state and federal waters.

• FWC classifies Carolina hammerhead as a prohibited species 

  Wednesday, November 5, 2025 -  This rule will help mitigate identification challenges associated with other prohibited shark species and promote conservation for large coastal hammerheads. 

• Governor Ron DeSantis Applauds FWC’s Approval to Reopen Apalachicola Bay’s Oyster Industry 

  Wednesday, November 5, 2025 -  FWC adopts a revised oyster management plan for Apalachicola Bay, which will establish annual seasons based on oyster abundance — balancing the continued long-term recovery of the species and local economy.

• Recreational harvest of hogfish closes in waters of the Atlantic/Florida Keys starting Nov. 1 

  Wednesday, October 29, 2025 -  The recreational harvest season of Florida hogfish in state and federal waters of the Atlantic and the Florida Keys is open from May 1 through Oct. 31.

• Autumn is the ideal time to exclude bats from buildings

  Wednesday, October 22, 2025 -  Bats are protected in Florida and exclusion devices – which allow bats to safely exit structures while preventing reentry – are the only legal and appropriate method to remove them.

• Flounder recreational harvest season closes Oct. 15 

  Monday, October 13, 2025 -  This closed season provides protection to flounder during the time when pre-spawning aggregations form, which ensures more fish can reproduce each year. 

• Reminder: Applications for the limited recreational harvest of goliath grouper in state waters close Oct. 15

  Wednesday, October 8, 2025 -  Permits to participate in this limited-entry harvest will be awarded by a random draw lottery.

• Stone crab season starts Oct. 15 

  Tuesday, October 7, 2025 -  The minimum claw size limit is 2 7/8 inches.

• Applications for limited recreational harvest of goliath grouper in state waters open Oct. 1

  Wednesday, October 1, 2025 -  Those interested can apply anytime from Oct. 1-15, for the upcoming 2026 season.