Keep Florida Fishing Wraps up Successful 2023 Session

Tallahassee, Fla. (May 10, 2023) – Florida’s fishing industry has much to celebrate following the 2023 legislative session, which saw the fishing industry supported by legislation and the state’s budget.

Gary Jennings, Director of Keep Florida Fishing for the American Sportfishing Association, was confirmed by the Florida Senate to serve on the Atlantic States Martine Fisheries Commission after being appointed by Governor DeSantis. This appointment gives the sportfishing community in Florida a seat at the table in interstate management decisions impacting Atlantic coast fisheries.

Updated data released shows the incredible economic impact of recreational fishing to the state. More than 4 million anglers spend $8 billion while fishing in Florida and contribute nearly $14 billion to the state’s economic output.

“When our state leaders support projects that focus on water quality and conservation, they are also supporting small businesses and our state’s fisheries and anglers,” said Martha Guyas, American Sportfishing Association’s Southeast Fisheries Policy Director. “The American Sportfishing Association thanks Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida legislature for their continued support.”

Legislation that will benefit Florida anglers and the state’s recreational fishing industry includes:

• A resolution giving voters the opportunity to vote on the 2024 ballot to enshrine the Right to Hunt and Fish into the state’s constitution.
• Initiatives to protect and restore water quality throughout the state; including wastewater treatment and stricter standards and regulations on septic tanks to reduce nutrient input to Florida’s waterways.
• Establishment of the Indian River Lagoon Protection Program to address water quality issues in this important estuary.

The Legislature also delivered funding for numerous projects and initiatives that will support fisheries habitat and water quality in Florida, and ultimately help Florida’s sportfishing community thrive. Budget highlights include:

• $1 billion for Everglades restoration and projects to improve water quality throughout the state, including addressing red tide and blue green algae blooms.
• More than $100 million for projects to restore water quality in the Indian River Lagoon.
• $17.5 million for protecting and restoring our state’s invaluable coral reefs.
• $2.5 million for a wetland restoration and protection grant program for projects that benefit fish and wildlife habitat or water quality improvements or management.

The American Sportfishing Association is now looking ahead to their annual Fishing…Share the Fun campaign, which seeks to expand the sportfishing community and increase participation in the sport. And July 11-14, Florida will once again welcome the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, ICAST. ASA is also engaged in advocacy efforts throughout the state to expand clean water and access to fish through our Keep Florida Fishing initiative. For more information about the initiative, click here.