Florida relaxes rules for veterans to become commercial fishermen

It is now easier for Florida veterans to get into the commercial fishing industry.

Under a new program approved by the FWC in September, many of the requirements have been waived for Florida veterans seeking a commercial restricted species endorsement license.

The restricted species endorsement is needed to catch and sell species including Spanish and king mackerel, flounder, shrimp, dolphin and several reef fish.

Currently, commercial harvesters who want the endorsement license must have a Florida Saltwater Products License and be able to prove that a quarter of their total annual income during one of the past three years came from commercial fishing.

Under the new rules, restricted species endorsement income requirements will be waived for one license year for Florida veterans who were honorably discharged between Sept. 11, 2001, and June 30, 2014.

The one-license-year waiver also extends to honorably discharged veterans with service-connected disabilities.

If you are a veteran and would like to learn more about the program and its requirements, visit MyFWC.com/License and click on “Commercial Saltwater Products”.

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