It seems Florida is on the brink of a temporary loss in sanity. Senator Joe Negron (R-Palm City) has filled out a little something known as SB744.
SB744 would eliminate the need for individuals to have state fishing licenses to go fishing. That’s right, just anyone could get out there and fish away. Actually sounds like a decent deal, right? Not so fast.
You see, license sales go to fund fisheries and conservation efforts. For instance, Florida is scheduled for a Federal Wallop-Breaux appointment of just over $8.1 million, and that money is determined both by the size of the state, and the number of licenses sold. Less licenses, less money.
Even worse, if you take away licenses, a Federal license will be in play on all saltwater fishing—none of that money will ever get back to Florida.
Florida is an amazing place to fish, but in order to keep it that way, funding is required. Listen Mr. Negron, we need licensing in Florida. I don’t mind paying the out of state fees when I come to visit, if it means a fantastic experience.
Let’s keep license requirements right where they are!