I am re-posting this as I feel it is important to Florida fishing community.
Please consider sending our already prepared email asking Senator Negron to withdraw his bill that abolishes fishing licenses.
This is the link to the form: http://florida-fishing.net/take_action_form.php?message=20
The 2011 Florida Legislative Session beings on March 8, 2011 with Senate Bill 744 seeking to abolish fishing licenses in Florida.
Senator Joe Negron, the sponsor of Senate Bill 744, said "I don't believe a citizen should have to get written permission from the government and pay a fee to throw a couple of fishing poles in a truck and head to the beach. That's an intrusion into what is a common activity in Florida. The question is why do we have fishing licenses? The burden of proof is with the people who want to hassle and annoy citizens by requiring written permission from the government."
It would appear that Senator Negron has not inquired with the multitude of sport fishermen groups, guides and leaders in Florida before deciding that he wants to do away with a user fee that costs less than most anglers spend on bait in one fishing trip.
Florida salt and freshwater fishing licenses produce $32 million which is used for:
• Law officers to enforce fishing regulations.
• Habitat enhancement.
• Boating access.
• Grants for artificial reefs.
Abolishing fishing licenses would also cost the state most of the $13 million it receives under the federal Sport Fish Restoration Act, from federal excise taxes on fishing gear, fuel and electric motors.
These state and federal fees that are collected for the benefit of our fishing resources in Florida is why most angler groups, rather than feeling "hassled and annoyed," support the fishing license law.
The Florida Legislature needs to know that the benefits to Florida’s fisheries and the sport of fishing that are provided by license fees are important to most sport fishing enthusiasts. An email from you will go a long way toward accomplishing that goal especially if Senator Negron decides to withdraw his bill.
Floridafishingreport.net has prepared an email message for you to send to Senator Negron and his co-sponsor which asks them to withdraw their bill which abolishes fishing licenses in Florida.
Sending your email is quick and easy. Simply click the following link, enter your name and email address then click the "Send Your Message" button. You may change the subject and/or text of the email.
Please send your email to Senators Joe Negron and Anitere Flores asking them to withdraw their bill which abolishes fishing licenses in Florida.
Please forward this email to fellow anglers and encourage them to send their email to these senators.
This is the link to the form: http://florida-fishing.net/take_action_form.php?message=20