Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph is urging county residents and visitors to participate in Florida’s License-Free Freshwater Fishing Days, which will be held on Saturday April 1st and Sunday April 2nd across the state. During the promotion, sponsored by the State’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), fishing license requirements will be waived for all recreational anglers, both residents and non-residents. All other fresh water fishing rules, including bag and size limits, apply (see the full list of rules: myfwc.com/about/rules-regulations).
“Orange County is a great place to live, work and fish,” Tax Collector Scott Randolph said. “From Lake Apopka to the Winter Park Chain and the popular Fish Orlando! Program, there’s something for every angler – amateur or pro – in Orange County.”
Florida’s License-Free Fishing Days are a great opportunity for new anglers, especially families, to enjoy the recreational sport of fishing. This year’s fishing days will be held on the following dates:
License-Free Freshwater Days
- April 1 and 2, 2017
- June 10 and 11, 2017
License-Free Saltwater Days
- June 3 and 4, 2017
- Sept. 2, 2017
- Nov. 25, 2017 (The Saturday following Thanksgiving)
In addition to Florida’s License-Free Fishing Days, Orange County residents may purchase hunting and fishing licenses at any of the seven Tax Collector offices across the county. Most licenses are annual and expire 12 months from the date of issuance. Lifetime and senior citizen licenses are also available through the Tax Collector’s office. To learn more, visit www.octaxcol.cbmstage.com.
According to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the greater Orlando area is home to over 60,000 acres of freshwater. Through Fish Orlando!, FWC manages five area bodies of water, known as the Fab Five, for quality size fish and unique fishing experiences. The Fab Five are made up of Clear Lake, Lake Ivanhoe, Starke Lake, Turkey Lake and Lake Underhill. FWC also stocks Barnett Park Frog Pond, Bear Creek Park, Lake Island Park and Lake Santiago in Orange County through its Urban Ponds program.
To learn more about Fish Orlando!, visit https://myfwc.com/conservation/freshwater/fish-orlando/