This November, Floridians heading to the ballot box will have the opportunity to vote on Amendment 2, Florida’s Right to Fish and Hunt bill. This bill would protect Florida’s rich outdoor heritage from efforts to limit or outright ban fishing and hunting in the state of Florida. There are currently a total of 23 states that constitutionally protect hunting and fishing including all of Florida’s neighboring states.
Introduced last year by Representative Lauren Melo, Florida’s Right to Fish and Hunt passed both the Florida House and Senate with overwhelming support. With over 1.3 million fishing licenses sold last year, fishing is a vital part of Florida. Often highlighted as the fishing capital of the world and a true outdoorsman's paradise, fishing and hunting is estimated to generate $15.8 billion annually in the state, while supporting 134,300 jobs
Florida’s Right to Fish and Hunt bill serves as a preemptive measure to thwart future threats from those who oppose fishing and hunting as a wildlife management tool and sustainable means to feed Floridians. Opponents of the bill say it will threaten wildlife populations by removing rules such as the ban on use of gill nets and lead to unregulated harvest, but these arguments are being publicized to scare voters. According to the bill “…the amendment does not limit the authority granted to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission under Section 9 of Article IV of the State Constitution and will remain in control of fishing and hunting regulations”. FWC will continue to be the leading authority on wildlife management through science-based management practices.
With an uptick in development and influx of new residents, Florida’s fishing and hunting heritage could one day find itself under attack. The Florida Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers views this amendment not only as a means to protect our traditions, but to serve as an opportunity to codify conservational ethics into state law. We hope that you will help spread the word and stand with us on November 5th to solidify Florida’s enduring sporting tradition by voting YES on Amendment 2.
About Chris Borgatti
BHA Eastern Policy & Conservation Manager