What is the Reciprocal Agreement Between Louisiana and Mississippi in 2024?

Louisiana and Mississippi, two neighboring states in the southern United States, have a unique relationship when it comes to fishing and hunting regulations along their shared borders. In 2024, these states have reciprocal agreements in place that govern the activities of anglers and hunters in the border waters between the two states.

Reciprocal License Agreements for Fishing

Louisiana and Mississippi have a reciprocal license agreement that allows residents of either state to fish in the border waters of the other state without purchasing an additional license. This agreement applies to both sport and commercial fishing licenses.

However, it’s important to note that when fishing in the border waters of the other state, anglers are bound by the regulations, gear usage, and creel and length limits of the state they are fishing in, not the state that issued their license. This means that a Mississippi resident fishing in Louisiana’s border waters must follow Louisiana’s fishing regulations, while a Louisiana resident fishing in Mississippi’s border waters must adhere to Mississippi’s regulations.

The daily creel limits for certain species, such as black bass (largemouth, spotted, and smallmouth), bream, crappie, striped bass, and striped bass hybrids, in the border waters are determined by whichever state has the higher limit, either the adjacent state or Mississippi.

Reciprocal Agreements for Other Industries

Louisiana and Mississippi also have reciprocal agreements in place for certain industries, such as real estate and construction. These agreements allow licensed professionals from one state to obtain a license in the other state without having to pass the trade exam.

For example, the Louisiana Real Estate Commission has a reciprocal agreement with Mississippi, allowing licensed real estate professionals from Mississippi to apply for a Louisiana real estate license on a “license for license” basis. This means that they can only obtain the same license type they currently hold in Mississippi.

Similarly, the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors has reciprocal agreements with several states, including Mississippi, for various classifications and trades in the construction industry.

Limitations and Exceptions

While the reciprocal agreements between Louisiana and Mississippi provide benefits for residents of both states, there are some limitations and exceptions to consider.

For real estate professionals, maintaining reciprocal status requires the licensee to remain a legal resident of the state where they lived when the reciprocal license was issued. If they move out of that state, they will no longer be considered a reciprocal licensee and must comply with the licensing requirements of the state they are now residing in.

Additionally, not all trades and classifications are covered under the reciprocal agreements between Louisiana and Mississippi. Some agreements may only apply to specific trades or classifications.

It’s important for individuals and businesses to carefully review the details of the reciprocal agreements and consult with the appropriate licensing boards to ensure they are in compliance with the regulations of both states.

In conclusion, the reciprocal agreements between Louisiana and Mississippi provide benefits for residents of both states, particularly in the areas of fishing, hunting, and certain licensed professions. However, it’s crucial for individuals to understand the limitations and exceptions of these agreements and to follow the regulations of the state they are operating in to avoid any legal issues or penalties.