Did you know that Florida saltwater fishing generates $5.7 Billion for the state? Yet the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the agency with the sovereign authority and responsibility to protect Florida wildlife, has less than $30 million to do its job. Ever wonder why you never see a wildlife officer?

Imagine if you owned a business but had not increased the price of your product since 1989. Obviously, you’d be out of business. Essentially, the Florida legislature has mismanaged the FWC by refusing for almost 20 years to raise the price of freshwater, saltwater, or hunting licenses. And, anyone can take advantage of the fishing capital of the world for free, as long as they fish in salt water from shore.

“The fact that we are not getting funds from the federal government (Pittman- Robinson act) is a terrible loss,” said Rick Roberts, a board member of the Snook Foundation.

In 1937, hunters lobbied Congress to pass the Pittman-Robinson Act, an 11-percent tax on hunting and fishing equipment that is distributed to states based upon state fishing and hunting license sales. The funds must be used for enforcement and conservation purposes.

“It is estimated that for each person that fishes without a license, the state of Florida loses $7.00,” added Roberts. “This is money that was paid for by Florida sportsman when we buy hunting and fishing goods, and those monies end up in other state coffers for their wildlife resources. This is truly flushing money down the toilet."

There’s now a concerted effort among the state’s conservation community to repeal the land-based exemption, raise the price of hunting and fishing license, and increase the cost of stamps for fish and wildlife. Senate Bill 1982 would do all of the above.

The staff of the Florida Sportsman Communications Network (FSCN) agrees that it’s time to eliminate the shore exemption, and to charge license fees that reflect the fact that Florida’s fishing and hunting resources are irreplaceable and are worth so many billions of dollars to this state. Contact Senator Saunders, (850)487-5124. Contact Senator Rich, (850) 487 5103 and reference Senate Bill 1982. The next Senate meeting is Thursday, March 8.