Florida’s abundant waters draw anglers year-round, but strict fishing laws mean that even innocent mistakes can lead to fines, license suspensions, or worse.
Why You Need Sando Law as Your Florida Fishing Offenses Lawyer
When you’re facing a fishing citation or criminal charge in Florida, your choice of lawyer can make all the difference.
At Sando Law, P.A., our practice isn’t just familiar with FWC enforcement — it’s built on it. Attorney Drew Sando is a former Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) prosecutor, giving him unmatched insight into how the state investigates, charges, and prosecutes fishing and wildlife violations.
That experience means we know what the prosecution is looking for — and how to challenge it. We understand the methods FWC officers use, how evidence is gathered, and where mistakes often occur. From improper measurements and reporting errors to unlawful stops or searches, our defense strategies target the weaknesses in the state’s case to help you protect your record and your livelihood.
At Sando Law, we treat every case personally. Whether it’s a simple fishing license citation or a felony-level wildlife charge, we provide:
- In-depth case reviews to evaluate the evidence and your options before you take any action.
- Aggressive negotiation and defense strategies aimed at dismissals or reduced penalties.
- Protection of your license, your reputation, and your future — because even minor offenses can leave lasting consequences.
Our firm has successfully defended clients throughout Florida against a wide range of fish and wildlife offenses. We combine our courtroom skills with insider knowledge of FWC procedures to deliver the most effective defense possible. When you choose Sando Law, you’re hiring a firm that knows both sides of the system — and uses that knowledge to your advantage.
Defending Commercial and Recreational Cases
Whether you are facing a commercial fishing violation charge or a recreational fishing violation charge, Attorney Drew Sando will defend your case.
What to Do If You Are Charged with a Fishing Offense
If you’ve been cited, questioned, or arrested for a fishing violation in Florida, acting quickly — and strategically — is critical. The steps you take in the first few days can determine whether your case is resolved quietly or spirals into costly fines, criminal charges, or even jail time.
At Sando Law, P.A., we guide you through the process from day one. Here’s what you should do — and how we can help at each step:
- Don’t Pay the Ticket Before Speaking to a Lawyer: Paying a citation is legally the same as pleading guilty. Once you pay, the case is closed and the conviction stays on your record. Our firm reviews every detail of the charge before you act, so you don’t unintentionally admit guilt or lose valuable defense opportunities.
- Contact Sando Law Immediately: Attorney Drew Sando has defended hundreds of fish and wildlife cases and knows how the FWC builds its cases. As a former FWC prosecutor, he understands how to negotiate effectively, challenge errors, and identify leverage points that less experienced attorneys might miss. The sooner we’re involved, the more options we can preserve.
- Preserve Every Detail: We’ll help you gather critical information: photos, GPS data, catch logs, and witness statements. These small details can often make or break your defense. Our team knows exactly what evidence carries weight with prosecutors and judges.
- Let Us Handle the Court Process: Missing a hearing or mishandling paperwork can have serious consequences. We’ll handle the scheduling, filings, and court appearances so you can focus on your life — not the legal process. In many cases, we can appear on your behalf and work toward dismissal or reduced penalties.
- Fight the Charges with an Insider’s Advantage: At Sando Law, we approach every case as if it were going to trial. We examine how the FWC obtained its evidence, whether officers followed proper procedures, and whether the alleged violation actually occurred. Our insider understanding of FWC enforcement tactics allows us to spot weaknesses in the state’s case that others often overlook.
Even a “minor” citation can have lasting repercussions — affecting your fishing privileges, employment, or background record. With Sando Law on your side, you gain a team that knows Florida’s fish and wildlife laws inside and out, fights to protect your reputation, and works tirelessly to achieve the best possible result.
Common Fishing Offenses in Florida
Florida anglers often unintentionally break the rules. Typical fishing violations include:
- Fishing without a license or permit. Lack of a valid fishing license is one of the most common infractions. First-time offenders may face fines (often $50–$100 for residents) and license suspensions for repeat offenses.
- Exceeding bag or size limits. Florida sets strict limits on how many fish you can keep and minimum sizes for many species. Exceeding these limits – such as catching too many snappers or keeping an undersized bass – is illegal.
- Fishing out of season. Many species have closed seasons to protect spawning. Catching game fish like grouper or stone crab during a closed season is an offense.
- Using illegal gear or methods. Florida law forbids specific gear (illegal nets, spears, traps, or explosive devices) and restricts methods (bait types, lighting for nighttime fishing, etc.). Violations include spearfishing in prohibited areas or using unapproved traps.
- Harvesting protected species. Taking endangered or protected fish and wildlife (e.g., goliath grouper, manatees, sea turtles, alligators) is a serious crime. Even accidentally catching a prohibited species can lead to significant penalties.
- Fishing with a suspended or expired license. Continuing to fish after your license has been suspended revokes your privilege entirely and can upgrade the charge from a minor infraction to a misdemeanor.
- Boating-related offenses. While primarily a fishing page, remember that related violations (like Boating Under the Influence or unsafe vessel operation) are also prosecuted by the FWC. Our firm handles those separately (see our [Boating & BUI Violations] page).
Penalties and Consequences of Fishing Violations
The penalties for a Florida fishing offense depend on its level. The FWC categorizes offenses from Level 1 (least serious) to Level 4 (most serious):
- Level 1 (Infraction) – Examples include minor issues with license or permit paperwork. These carry only civil fines (often $50–$250 depending on prior offenses) and no jail time.
- Level 2 (Second-Degree Misdemeanor) – Includes out-of-season fishing, small reductions in bag/size violations, or unattended boating violations. Punishable by up to 60 days in jail and $500 fines. Repeat or aggravated Level 2 charges (like fishing with a suspended license) can rise to a first-degree misdemeanor with up to 364 days in jail and $1,000 fines.
- Level 3 (First-Degree Misdemeanor) – Covers serious fish and wildlife crimes like illegal commercial harvest, taking large quantities of fish, or possessing alligators unlawfully. These carry up to 364 days in jail and $1,000 fines. Repeat Level 3 convictions add mandatory fines and multi-year license suspensions.
- Level 4 (Third-Degree Felony) – The most severe fishing violations (e.g., killing a panther, seriously harming an endangered species, or forging an FWC license) are felonies. These can lead to up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 fines.
Avoid Serious Consequences
Fishing is a beloved pastime in Florida, but violations of Florida’s complex fish and wildlife laws can carry serious consequences – fines, jail time, and even loss of fishing privileges. From a simple fishing license oversight to a disputed catch size, a “minor” offense can quickly snowball into a criminal charge. The key takeaway is this: you are not alone and you have options. An experienced Florida Fishing Offenses Lawyer knows how to navigate the FWC regulations and legal process, protect your rights, and help minimize the penalties. If you or a loved one has been cited or arrested for a fishing or wildlife violation, don’t face it without legal help. Consult with a specialized attorney immediately to explore your defense strategy.
Contact Sando Law today for a free consultation. We’ll answer your questions, review your case, and outline your best options. Let our knowledge of Florida fishing laws work for you – and help ensure that a moment on the water doesn’t cost you your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a fishing violation in Florida?
Any breach of Florida’s fishing rules can be an offense. Common violations include fishing without a valid license, exceeding bag or size limits, catching out-of-season species, using illegal gear, or taking protected fish. Each offense is classified under Florida Statutes (Section 379.401) as either a civil or criminal violation. If caught violating these rules, you could face fines and even criminal charges.
What are the penalties for fishing without a license in Florida?
Fishing without a license is a frequent infraction. The fine for a first offense is up to $50 for Florida residents (up to $100 for non-residents). Repeat offenses incur higher fines. While a single unlicensed catch ticket is typically a civil infraction, paying the fine means admitting guilt, which goes on your record. More serious license-related offenses (like fishing on a suspended license) can become misdemeanors with jail time.
Do I need a lawyer if I’m charged with a fishing offense?
It’s highly advisable. Even noncriminal citations can have long-term impacts. A lawyer can review whether the citation was correctly issued and negotiate on your behalf. For criminal charges (misdemeanors or felonies), legal representation is crucial. An attorney can protect your rights, work to reduce or dismiss charges, and help you avoid a criminal record or loss of your fishing license.
How can a Florida fishing offense lawyer help defend my case?
A lawyer will analyze the evidence and the law. They may find procedural errors (like an invalid stop or improper measuring techniques) and challenge the prosecutor’s case. They will also advise you on whether to contest or settle (for example, requesting a hearing instead of paying the ticket). Reasonable attorneys have contacts and knowledge of FWC protocols, which can be used to your advantage. Their goal is to minimize penalties or secure a not-guilty verdict whenever possible.
What should I do immediately after receiving a fishing citation?
First, don’t pay the fine on the spot – that would waive your right to fight it. Instead, sign and take the notice, then contact a lawyer. Mark the court date on your calendar and get all evidence organized (licenses, receipts, photos). An attorney can request to see the full charge sheet and FWC report and prepare your defense. Acting promptly and consulting a legal expert is the best way to protect yourself and keep your fishing privileges intact.
