So, what do you think about the Federal SW license proposed to go into effect this year with no fee and with a fee next year.

Writeup yesterday in Florida Today says we are one of the states with a state license that does not fully comply with the new federal regulations.

Should our state bring our license into compliance? or,
Will we have to purchase a federal license to fish in federal waters?

The feds want Florida to be part of their program because we have 1/3 the SW anglers on the Atlantic Coast.

What do you think ?

Don't know much about it. Tell us more!

I'd rather have one license myself.

If federal waters =3 miles offshore, then have at it....

Boatless guy myself.... may have a yak soon though...

Seriously, I'd rather have 1 license. I buy a saltwater license as part of my sportsman's license to support the resource. Don't need one much beyond that.

Congress passed a bill for NOAA requiring a SW license in federal waters - beyond coastal limits which is 3miles on the atlantic coast and 15 miles from the gulf coast of FLa. Registration free in 2009 but will cost between $15-25 / year in 2010. Only a few states now have a SW lic. and they have the option of making their's compatible with the new fed. lic.
Florida has wording to do just that in their 2010 appropropriations bill. In the minds of those states that now have a lic. the biggest question is what proportion of the fed. lic. will come back to the individual state if they comply and make it one lic. in, let's say Florida.

The feds are reallin pushing for FL to join them cause we have nearly 1/3 of the total SW anglers on the Atlantic coast.

If we join the fed program, undoubtedly our lic. fee will go up in 2010. If not, and you fish offshore, you will have to have two lic in 2010 unless you fish only on a charter/head boat or hold a HMS permit.

It doesnt bother me if I have to pay for a SW license as long it helps our fishing overall.