DeSantis invests in marine infrastructure to support hurricane recovery efforts
According to a news release issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the state of Florida awarded $1 million from the Florida Disaster Fund to the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida to support the rebuilding of fishing and aquaculture infrastructure damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The funding will go toward rebuilding boat slips and docks, repairing fish houses, assisting aquaculture businesses, and supporting important infrastructure repairs for Florida’s fishing economy across the Big Bend region.
In the news release, Gov. Ron DeSantis described the investment as critical for rebuilding crucial waterside infrastructure to help Floridia’s fishing and aquaculture industries resume full operations.
DeSantis also initiated the process to submit a disaster declaration to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.
“This declaration request would provide access to federal funding, subject to appropriation, for offshore, nearshore, and inshore fisheries to rebuild,” the release said.
DeSantis requested a similar federal fisheries disaster declaration following Hurricanes Ian and Idalia.
DeSantis has also directed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to expedite permits and approvals for businesses impacted on uplands or on the water to ensure the rebuilding of damaged structures is not delayed by bureaucracy.
Roger Young, FWC’s executive director expressed his gratitude to DeSantis for his assistance with helping communities recover quickly and rebuild fully after the storms.
“We are grateful for his leadership and support in assisting the fishing industry as it recovers from hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton,” he said in the news release.
The state also issued discounts on fishing and hunting licenses, including lifetime licenses, encouraging anglers to return to the water. Discounts include:
- A 50% discount on short-term licenses for Floridians from Oct. 25 to Jan. 3, 2025, for the annual and five-year multisport licenses for fishing and hunting.
- A 50% discount on lifetime sportsman licenses for children up to 17 years of age: 4 or younger $200 (normally $400); ages 5 to 12 $350 (normally $700); ages 13 to 17 $500 (normally $1,000).
- Annual saltwater and freshwater combo licenses for just $5.
According to the FWC, Florida leads the nation in the number of saltwater fishing anglers, generating a $9.2 billion impact on Florida’s economy with the annual dockside value of commercial fisheries estimated at $244 million.