Fish Florida is a non-profit organization that provides support to groups that teach people, especially children, about Florida fish, aquatic habitats and resource stewardship. This is accomplished through displays, classes, seminars, presentations, clinics, and other means designed to teach and promote responsible angling.
Fish Florida’s Fishing Equipment Donation Program assists organizations who teach fishing and conservation in Florida. We REQUIRE that participants receive angling instruction. We prioritize programs by the following:
- fishing opportunity provided
- benefit to children and inexperienced anglers
- opportunity offered to underprivileged user groups
- previous experience of your organization
- community support
- financial need
- hands-on activities
- number of participants
If your program is approved, you will receive one rod, reel and tackle kit per participant, up to 400, as long as we have that equipment in inventory. Our fishing equipment supplies are limited. If you will have over 400 participants, we can provide sources for purchasing additional fishing equipment.
For an example of a kids’ fishing clinic recognized by Fish Florida, see the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Kids’ Fishing Clinic protocol at myfwc.com/docs/Learning/KFC_Protocol.pdf.
Contact Fish Florida if you are uncertain whether your event qualifies, if you have questions about the program or if you have any difficulties completing the application form. After receiving your application, we will review it for completeness, the Fish Florida Board of Directors will vote on it and we will notify you as outlined below.
Requirements
- Fishing education must be part of your event
- Fishing equipment may not be used as prizes
- Submit one letter of recommendation/reference
- Email your completed application to (no spaces): fish florida @ bellsouth . net
- Fishing equipment will only be shipped to a business address
- Promote Fish Florida at your event (include logo on event materials, display banner, distribute flyers, include Fish Florida in press releases)
- Submit a post-event report at the conclusion of your event
| Date of Your Program | Application Due Date | Notice of Decision | Equipment Ships After |
| January 1 – March 31 | October 1 | November 1 | December 1 |
| April 1 – June 30 | January 1 | February 1 | March 1 |
| July 1 – September 30 | April 1 | May 1 |
June 1 |
| October 1 – December 31 | July 1 | August 1 |
September 1 |
Fish Florida’s programs (grants, fishing equipment donations and scholarships) are possible because of the Fish Florida specialty license plate and community donations. The license plate can be purchased at Florida tag agencies.
Please promote Fish Florida at your event. Include Fish Florida on your event’s promotional materials, public service announcements and press releases. Logos and various sized ads are available. Ask your community to support Fish Florida by purchasing the Fish Florida license plate and by making tax-deductible donations.
Download the Fish Florida Fishing Equipment:
