Florida Fishing Closures

Florida's freshwater anglers can enjoy 3 million acres of lakes, reservoirs and ponds throughout the state. If you prefer casting in rivers, catch species like bass, walleye and bluegill in 10,550 miles of rivers, streams and canals. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the state is known as the fishing capital of the world because of the various resources available to anglers and the responsible management of the fisheries. The fisheries sometimes require closures for fish management and safety regulations.

  1. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

    • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or FWC is the agency that manages fish and wildlife resources in the state. FWC publishes an annual booklet that details the rules and regulations for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. The regulations, including fishing closures, are enforced so that recreational fishing for all state residents and guests remain safe and sustainable.

    Freshwater

    • FWC enforces freshwater fishing regulations, including closures by county. Check the most up-to-date publication of Florida's freshwater fishing rules and regulations for the closures in your county or the county you intend to fish in. FWC may temporarily close fish management areas to accommodate management projects or if unsafe conditions are present. As of August 2011, many lakes are closed for fishing from sunset until sunrise, including Lake Piney Z in Leon County, Oceanway Pond in Duval County, Eagle Lake in Hamilton County and Lang Lake in Hamilton County.

    Saltwater

    • The fishing closures for recreational saltwater fishing vary depending on the fish species and location. The closures occur during times when the regulated fishing seasons are over. For the greater amberjack, the closed season only applies to the Gulf of Mexico and lasts from June 1 to July 30. Regional and statewide fishing closures apply for some species like blue crabs. From September 20 to October 4, trapping blue crabs is prohibited from Gulf waters. Fishing for species like black drum, grouper, striped mullet and silver mullet have no closures. Other regulations apply such as size and bag limits.

    Oil Spill

    • An offshore oil-drilling platform exploded in the Gulf of Mexico near Louisiana on April 20, 2010. The waters of Florida were affected by the oil spill and temporary fishing closures were issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or NOAA Fisheries Service. Although oil is no longer being discharged into the Gulf and the well has been permanently sealed, seasonal closures for certain species are still enforced as of June 2011. Affected fish species include greater amberjack, gag and red snapper.