What is the State Reef Fish Angler Designation and Why Do Florida Anglers Need It in 2024?

In 2024, recreational anglers and divers fishing from private vessels in Florida are required to obtain the State Reef Fish Angler designation if they intend to fish for or harvest certain reef fish species. This designation, which replaced the Gulf Reef Fish Survey in July 2020, aims to improve recreational data collection for several important reef fish species such as snapper, grouper, and hogfish.

Who Needs the State Reef Fish Angler Designation?

The State Reef Fish Angler designation is required for anyone 16 years of age or older who plans to fish for or possess the following reef fish species from a private vessel in Florida:

Snappers: mutton, yellowtail, red, and vermilion
Hogfish
Groupers: gag, red, and black
Amberjack: greater and lesser
Banded rudderfish
Almaco jack
Gray triggerfish

This requirement applies to all anglers, including those who are typically exempt from saltwater fishing license requirements, such as Florida residents 65 years of age or older.

How to Sign Up for the State Reef Fish Angler Designation

Signing up for the State Reef Fish Angler designation is easy, no-cost, and available anywhere Florida saltwater fishing licenses are sold:

GoOutdoorsFlorida.com
Fish|Hunt Florida mobile app
1-888-FISHFLORIDA (347-4356)
Tackle shops, sporting goods stores, and tax collectors offices

To add the designation, log in or create an account, click “Purchase a License,” scroll down to “Saltwater Fishing Permits,” select the “State Reef Fish Angler” designation, and follow the prompts to check out.

If you have a current Gulf Reef Fish Angler designation, it will remain valid until its expiration date and will meet the new statewide requirement. Once your Gulf designation expires, you will need to sign up for the State Reef Fish Angler designation.

Why is the State Reef Fish Angler Designation Important?

The State Reef Fish Angler designation helps the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) collect better data on recreational reef fish fishing activities. By signing up, anglers help paint a clearer picture of how many people are targeting reef fish and what they are seeing and harvesting on the water.

Anglers who sign up may be randomly selected to receive a survey by mail about their fishing activity. Even if they did not fish for reef fish, their feedback allows scientists to more accurately determine fishing effort.

Additionally, anglers may be approached by an FWC biologist at the dock after returning from recreational fishing and asked to participate in an in-person interview.

By providing this information, anglers help the FWC make more informed fisheries management decisions and ensure the sustainability of these important recreational fisheries.