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Lightning
Florida storms build quickly. Leave exposed water early and never wait for lightning to reach the lake before seeking shelter.
Come home safe
Florida freshwater safety and rules
Heat, lightning, sudden wind, wildlife and changing water levels deserve the same preparation as tackle and bait.
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Heat
Carry more water than expected, wear sun protection and recognize confusion, dizziness or stopped sweating as urgent warning signs.
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Personal flotation
Use properly fitted, serviceable PFDs. Children and high-risk conditions demand extra caution regardless of legal minimums.
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Wildlife
Give alligators, snakes and nesting birds room. Never feed wildlife or clean fish where scraps condition animals to approach people.
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Float plan
Tell someone where you are launching, your route, who is aboard and when to expect your return.
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Legal check
Confirm license requirements, bag limits, size limits, methods and water-specific exceptions directly with FWC.
Official source: Regulations change. Link this page to the current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission freshwater regulations when the final site goes live.