State Reef Fish Designation required for those 65 and older

Did you know that if you fish for reef fish in Florida, you must obtain the State Reef Fish Angler designation, even if you are 65 and older and exempt from a fishing license?

The State Reef Fish Survey (SRFS) helps provide timely and precise data on important reef fish statewide.

Requiring the designation for those who are 65 years and older helps FWC survey all anglers and divers who fish for reef fish. 

As part of this program, recreational anglers and spearfishers (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

Annual renewal allows FWC to know which anglers are fishing for reef fish each year and ensures that their contact information is current so we can survey these anglers.

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
• View this step-by-step instructional video on how to sign up if you do not have a fishing license
• Fish|Hunt Florida mobile app
• 1-888-FISHFLORIDA (347-4356)
• Tackle shops, sporting goods stores and tax collectors’ offices

SRFS replaced the successful Gulf Reef Fish Survey in July of this year.  If you already have the Gulf Reef Fish Angler designation, it 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.