Florida’s saltwater waterways may end up being a little more crowded over the holiday weekend, in part due to an announcement from Gov. Ron DeSantis Friday morning.
DeSantis sent out a reminder that no fishing license will be needed Saturday, Sept. 5, for anglers who choose to cast their rods in saltwater.
“License-free fishing days offer a special opportunity to enjoy Florida’s beautiful outdoors,” said DeSantis in an email sent to WJCT News. “I encourage all Floridians and visitors to take advantage!”
There have been eight license-free fishing days scheduled this year. The next one, which is currently scheduled to be the final one of the year, is set for the Saturday following Thanksgiving. It will also be a license-free saltwater fishing day.
“Spend this Labor Day weekend with family enjoying the Fishing Capital of the World as you fish from boat or shore,” said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Executive Director Eric Sutton in the same email.
While the fishing days had already been scheduled, the governor has been on the hunt this week for ways to rev Florida’s tourism economy back up from the pandemic-induced recession.
Thursday the governor urged the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to reconsider allowing fans in for their first two home games. He also hinted that Florida’s bars and taprooms might soon be allowed to serve alcohol on premises again, saying he wants to give Floridians the “ability to have some enjoyment in their life.”
He also announced a new $13 million Visit Florida advertising campaign this week that’s aimed at encouraging in-state travel.
“We really believe that this campaign will help reinvigorate those jobs and contribute to these communities,” DeSantis said in Daytona Beach on Wednesday.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
