Florida Gov. Rick Scott announced Thursday that the state's law enforcement officers and first responders will be able to take advantage of license-free freshwater and saltwater fishing from now until June 30, 2018.
Scott said this is in recognition of their life-saving work preparing for and responding to Hurricane Irma.
“Before and after Hurricane Irma, Florida’s brave law enforcement officers and first responders have been tirelessly working around the clock to meet the needs of our families and communities," Scott said. "Even as their own families were evacuating or working to begin the recovery process, they have been putting their own lives on the line to keep our state safe. We owe these brave heroes a debt of gratitude, and I am proud to announce this license-free fishing opportunity as a gesture of appreciation and recognition for their service to our state.”
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will accept first responder identification in lieu of a Florida fishing license.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is also offering free day-passes to law enforcement officers, utility workers and first responders that can be used at Florida State Parks until October 2018.
FWC offers the following license-free fishing days for all regularly throughout the year:
License-free freshwater days
-First Saturday and Sunday in April
-Second Saturday and Sunday in June
License-free saltwater days
-First Saturday and Sunday in June
-First Saturday in September
-Saturday following Thanksgiving
On these days, bag limits, size restrictions and closed areas apply, FWC said. For more information, visit the FWC's website.
Cox Media Group
