FWC News

Showing 1 through 10 of 227 articles for tag regulations

• Go slow and look out below – manatees are on the move

  Thursday, March 23, 2023 -  Spring is a particularly important season for boaters to go slow and lookout below for manatees as the slow-moving mammals naturally disperse from their winter refuges, traveling to other parts of the state and beyond.

• FWC seeks public comment on proposed designated anchoring areas in Monroe County

  Thursday, March 23, 2023 -  Due to changes to section 327.4108, Florida Statutes that the Legislature approved last year, the FWC will adopt rules establishing anchoring areas, along with maximum allowable vessel drafts, throughout Monroe County.

• FWC removes first vessels through the newly created Vessel Turn-In Program

  Tuesday, March 14, 2023 -  VTIP is a key component of Florida’s derelict vessel prevention program. This voluntary program is designed to help owners dispose of their unwanted at-risk vessels before they become derelict.

• Have bats in your home? Exclusions should occur before April bat maternity season starts

  Thursday, March 9, 2023 -  Bat maternity season runs April 15 through Aug. 14 and during that time, it is illegal to block bats from their roosts.

• Gray triggerfish and spotted seatrout open for recreational harvest on March 1

  Tuesday, February 28, 2023 -  Learn more about recreational fishing regulations at MyFWC.com/Marine by clicking on “Recreational Regulations.”

• FWC seeks public input at virtual workshops on protections for goliath grouper spawning aggregations

  Monday, February 27, 2023 -  If you are unable to join the workshops, feedback can still be provided by visiting MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments or emailing Marine@MyFWC.com.

• Keep crabs in and terrapins out, FWC rule for recreational crab traps goes into effect March 1

  Monday, February 27, 2023 -  Starting in March, recreational crab traps in Florida will be required to have rigid funnel openings no larger than 2 x 6 inches at the narrowest point or 2 x 6-inch bycatch reduction devices installed to reduce accidental trapping of diamondback terrapins, which has been a significant threat to the species.

• FWC approves rule to help improve survival of released reef fish

  Wednesday, February 22, 2023 -  The FWC approved a rule to require the possession of a descending device or venting tool that is rigged and ready for use on board a vessel when harvesting or attempting to harvest, including catch and release, of reef fish in state waters.

• FWC approves rule changes for Atlantic red porgy, snowy grouper and blueline tilefish recreational harvest

  Wednesday, February 22, 2023 -  The FWC approved a rule to modify recreational regulations for red porgy, snowy grouper and blueline tilefish in Florida’s Atlantic state waters to be consistent with current and pending regulations in adjacent Atlantic federal waters.

• FWC taking bold steps to prevent new invasive species in Florida

  Wednesday, February 22, 2023 -  Staff will explore including a risk analysis to prove a species poses little or no threat to Florida’s ecology, economy, as well as human health and safety, before that species could be approved to come into the state.