JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Starting Thursday, Florida's law enforcement officers and first responders will be able to go saltwater and freshwater fishing without a license until June 30, 2018, Gov. Rick Scott announced.
In a news release, the governor's office said the license-free period is in recognition of their lifesaving work preparing for and responding to Hurricane Irma, which struck Florida last week.
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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will accept official first responder identification in lieu of a state fishing license during this period.
In addition, the Department of Environmental Protection is offering free day-passes to state parks for utility workers, first responders and law enforcement that can be used an unlimited number of times until October 2018.
"Even as their own families were evacuating or working to begin the recovery process, they have been putting their own lives on the line to keep our state safe," Scott said in part.