Florida’s fishing industry—and the small businesses supporting it—are facing a completely avoidable problem that needs an immediate solution. Non-resident visitors no longer have the reliable option of purchasing 3-day or 7-day fishing licenses online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or at local bait shops. This has led to confusion, delays, and in many cases, visitors abandoning fishing excursions or canceling chartered freshwater trips altogether.

This situation directly impacts Florida's economy, hurting both the state revenue and the numerous small businesses reliant on tourism and fishing activities. According to state tourism boards, millions of tourists engage in fishing-related activities, contributing billions annually to Florida’s economy. The income from licensing fees and spending on local businesses is crucial, yet these unnecessary obstacles threaten this critical industry.

Imagine planning a much-awaited fishing trip only to find you can't acquire the necessary permissions in time. It’s frustrating, and it drives visitors away. Tourists come to Florida for its unparalleled fishing experiences, yet this issue paints an unfair picture of our capabilities to offer these experiences seamlessly. Even worse, the FWC’s published list of licensed agents is inaccurate. Many locations listed no longer sell fishing licenses, leaving visitors scrambling at the last minute with no way to legally fish. 

This directly impacts: 

• Small bait and tackle shops 

• Freshwater fishing guides and charter captains 

• Florida’s tourism-driven economy 

Customers and tourists are frustrated. Guides are losing business. And Florida’s reputation as a top fishing destination is taking a hit.  
 To make matters worse, small bait shops are being priced out of selling licenses due to costly requirements like surety bonds—limiting access even further.  

 Why This Matters 

 Florida thrives on tourism, and fishing is a major part of that. We should be making it easier—not harder—for visitors to enjoy what our state offers.  
 This is about more than convenience—it’s about protecting small businesses, supporting local guides and bait shops, and keeping Florida competitive in tourism.  

 Every lost trip is lost income for hardworking Floridians.

 
To address this, FWC needs to immediately restore the ability for non-resident visitors to purchase short-term fishing licenses both online and at local outlets. Additionally, increasing the visibility and accessibility of purchasing options through local bait shops and tourism centers would help. Simplifying the online system to make it more user-friendly ensures that tourists from all over can easily comply with our fishing regulations without hassle. 

 We are asking for the following changes:  

• ✅ Re-allow non-residents to easily purchase a 3-day or 7-day fishing license online  
• ✅ Ensure the FWC agent online list is accurate and regularly updated  
• ✅ Reduce financial barriers (such as surety bond requirements) for small businesses to sell licenses  
• ✅ Create a system similar to saltwater charters where freshwater fishing captains can cover their clients under their license for an adjusted annual fee  

We, therefore, call on the FWC and Governor Ron DeSantis to prioritize the restoration of these essential services, ensuring that both Florida’s economy and its communities that thrive on fishing tourism remain prosperous. 

 Call to Action 

 Please sign this petition to demand immediate action in reinstating a seamless process for acquiring non-resident fishing licenses. If you support Florida’s small businesses, fishing guides, and tourism industry—sign this petition today. Your support can make a difference in sustaining the vibrancy of Florida’s fishing tourism industry.  
  
Let’s fix this system and make Florida fishing accessible again.

 
 Let’s do THIS together  

 “As a supporter of Florida’s small businesses and fishing industry, I’m signing because these are easy fixes that would make a huge difference.”