Bill would make shoreline fishing free again

Florida last year for the first time began requiring residents to purchases licenses to fish from the shoreline, docks and jetties. Residents could either buy a saltwater fishing license for $17, which allows them to fish from boats or the shoreline, or buy the shoreline-only permit for $7.50.

As of Feb. 28, 59,530 of the shoreline permits have been sold. But now the Senate is considering a bill (SB 1514) that would repeal the permit fee and allow state residents to get a shoreline license for free.

The Coastal Conservation Association Florida says the shoreline license requirement shouldn't be repealed because the group says all anglers should help pay for law enforcement and marine fisheries research and management.

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(Photo courtesy of Mark Wallhesier and Tallahasseestock.com. Story copyrighted by Bruce Ritchie and FloridaEnvironments.com. Do not copy or redistribute without permission.)