New State Reef Fish Angler Designation Requirement

Attention Saltwater Fishing License Holders:

Starting today, July 1, the State Reef Fish Survey (SRFS) will replace the successful Gulf Reef Fish Survey and help provide timely and precise data on important reef fish statewide.

As part of this program, recreational anglers and divers (including those 65 and older) who fish for or possess the reef fish below from a private vessel in both the Atlantic and Gulf will need to obtain the State Reef Fish Angler designation:

• Snappers – mutton, yellowtail, red and vermilion
• Hogfish
• Groupers – gag, red and black
• Amberjack – greater and lesser
• Banded rudderfish
• Almaco jack
• Gray triggerfish

Signing up for the State Reef Fish Angler designation is simple, has no-cost and can easily be obtained wherever saltwater licenses are sold:

• GoOutdoorsFlorida.com
• Fish|Hunt Florida mobile app
• 1-888-FISHFLORIDA (347-4356),
• Tackle shops, sporting goods stores and tax collectors’ offices

If you fish for reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico, your Gulf Reef Fish Angler designation will fulfill the statewide requirement of the State Reef Fish Angler designation until your Gulf designation expires, even if you are fishing on the Atlantic coast. Once your Gulf designation expires, you will need to sign up for the new State Reef Fish Angler designation.

To learn more about SRFS, how to sign-up and limited exemptions, please visit MyFWC.com/SRFS. 

Questions? Contact Marine Fisheries Management at 850-487-0054 or Marine@MyFWC.com.

Happy fishing!