| Fishing | | | | up fast during the hunting season) so don't wait |
| With so many lakes and rivers, fishing is another | | | | until the last minute to get certified. You can |
| popular activity in the state of Florida, and it's | | | | register for a class on myfwc.com/huntersafety |
| extremely easy to get started. | | | | or by contacting your local Florida Wildlife |
| Florida fishing licenses are available at the local | | | | Conservation office. |
| county tax collector's office, online, or at most | | | | Those under 16 are encouraged to take the class, |
| bait and sporting goods stores. Fees vary. Visit | | | | but they aren't required to, so long as they are |
| the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation | | | | hunting under adult supervision. Likewise, those |
| Commission online for details. (Freshwater fishing | | | | over 34 are encouraged to take the class, even |
| at floridaconservation.org/fishing and marine | | | | though it's not required, because it offers so |
| fisheries at marinefisheries.org.) | | | | much useful information regarding safe hunting |
| Note that due to the wealth of marine life in the | | | | practices. It's also a great way to meet new |
| state, there are certain protected no-take areas | | | | people if you're new to Florida. |
| where fishing is not allowed. Contact your local | | | | If you're more interested in viewing wildlife than |
| authorities or check postings at your destination | | | | hunting it, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation |
| to ensure that fishing is allowed at your site. | | | | Commission website also includes details about |
| Hunting | | | | wildlife viewing stations located throughout the |
| The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation | | | | state. |
| Commission posts information about hunting | | | | Birding |
| regulations, maps, seasons and licensing | | | | If you love bird-watching, you'll love living in Florida, |
| information on its website myfwc.com/hunting. | | | | as the state maintains a network of nearly 400 |
| In Florida, annual hunting seasons include archery, | | | | sites known for their bird-watching and education |
| crossbow, muzzle-loading, general gun, antlerless | | | | opportunities. The network, known as the Great |
| deer, turkey (two seasons), quail, squirrel, bobcat | | | | Florida Birding Trail (GFBT) consists of 2,000 miles |
| and otter. In addition, wild hogs, rabbits, raccoons, | | | | of self-guided highway. To plan your own bird |
| opossums, skunks, nutrias, beavers and coyotes | | | | watching adventure, just visit the Florida Wildlife |
| may be taken year-round. | | | | Conservation website, which features an |
| With few exceptions, if you're aged 16-34, you're | | | | interactive trip-planning tool that will allow you to |
| required to complete a state hunter safety | | | | track species of interest while planning trips along |
| course before you obtain your hunting license. | | | | the GFBT. Visit myfwc.com/gfbt/ for more |
| Classes are offered throughout the state (and fill | | | | information. |