In a press release issued today by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission along with the backing of Governor Rick Scott, the FWC has announced two weekends in June will be designated as a free fishing weekend statewide and salt water fishing licenses will not be required to fish. The two weekends are June 4th & 5th, which is also the first weekend Red Snapper season officially opens in the Gulf of Mexico, and the second free weekend is June 18 & 19th, Father’s Day weekend.
Fish Catch on Display at the Destin Harbor
In addition to the free fishing weekends the Bay Scallop season will open a week early beginning June 25th and extends to September 25th giving scallop hunters three extra weeks to collect scallops. Popular places to scallop are St. Joseph Bay’s and Apalachicola Bay.
As an added bonus to the fishing incentives the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is offering half price admission to all of Florida’s State Parks on Sunday, May 8th, Mother’s Day, and Sunday June 19th, Father’s Day. There are several state parks locally that visitors can combine the free fishing weekends with over the two holidays and treat mom & dad to a relaxing and fun-filled weekend.
In a statement issued by Governor Rick Scott, “Florida’s beaches and waters are beautiful, pristine and ready for visitors to enjoy. I encourage Floridians and visitors to our state to make plans now to enjoy Florida fishing and seafood during the upcoming free-fishing weekends in June.”
Additional Resources:
Florida State Parks
Florida Fish and Wildlife
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