Effective Date: December 10, 2024

1. Introduction

At Key West Charter Fishing, we are fully committed to adhering to all applicable local, state, and federal regulations governing fishing charters. This Compliance with Local Regulations policy outlines our dedication to operating within the law and ensuring that our guests enjoy a safe, legal, and environmentally responsible fishing experience.

2. Licensing and Permits

We maintain all necessary licenses and permits required to operate a fishing charter business in the state of Florida. These include:

• Charter Business License: Ensures compliance with state and local business regulations.
• Captain’s License: Capt. Blake holds a valid United States Coast Guard (USCG) Captain’s License, certifying his qualifications and expertise.
• Fishing Permits: Our operation complies with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulations for recreational fishing charters.
• Vessel Registration: Our boats are fully registered and meet all maritime safety and operational standards.

3. Fishing Regulations

To promote sustainable fishing practices and protect marine ecosystems, Key West Charter Fishing strictly follows Florida’s fishing regulations:

• Bag and Size Limits:

  • We adhere to all state-imposed bag and size limits for various fish species.
  • Guests will be informed of these limits before fishing begins.

• Closed Seasons:

  • Fishing for certain species is prohibited during specific times of the year to support breeding and replenishment cycles.
  • We ensure that our charters are scheduled and conducted in compliance with these seasonal restrictions.

• Protected Species:

  • We do not target or retain any species designated as protected or endangered under federal or state law.
  • All encounters with protected species are handled responsibly to minimize stress or harm.

4. Environmental Regulations

We are dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the Florida Keys by adhering to environmental protection laws:

• Marine Sanctuaries:

  • Our charters respect the boundaries of designated marine sanctuaries and no-fishing zones.

• Reef Protection:

  • We avoid anchoring or conducting activities that could damage coral reefs or other sensitive habitats.

• Waste Disposal:

  • All waste generated during charters is disposed of responsibly, following local waste management guidelines.

5. Maritime Safety Regulations

Our vessels meet or exceed all maritime safety standards set by the United States Coast Guard (USCG):

• Safety Equipment: Our boats are equipped with life jackets, fire extinguishers, EPIRBs, first aid kits, and other essential safety equipment.
• Crew Training: Our crew undergoes regular safety training to handle emergencies and ensure passenger safety.
• Inspections: Our vessels undergo routine inspections to confirm compliance with safety and operational standards.

6. Guest Responsibilities

To ensure compliance with local regulations, guests are expected to:

• Obtain Required Licenses:

  • Florida law requires all recreational anglers to have a valid fishing license unless exempted. Key West Charter Fishings boats license covers your fishing license and will not be required to purchase one.

• Follow Fishing Limits:

  • Adhere to all bag and size limits as explained by the captain and crew.

• Respect Marine Life:

  • Handle fish and other marine creatures responsibly to reduce harm or stress.

• Avoid Prohibited Areas:

  • Follow crew instructions to avoid fishing or entering restricted zones.

7. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violations of local regulations can result in:

• Fines and Penalties:
  • Guests who violate fishing or environmental regulations may be subject to fines imposed by regulatory authorities.
• Trip Termination:
  • Any actions that jeopardize compliance with local laws or endanger the environment may result in immediate termination of the trip without a refund.

8. Monitoring and Updates

We stay informed of changes in local, state, and federal regulations to ensure ongoing compliance:

• Regular Updates:
  • We monitor updates from regulatory bodies such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG).
• Policy Adjustments:
  • Our policies and practices are updated regularly to reflect the latest legal and environmental requirements.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about our compliance with local regulations or need assistance understanding Florida’s fishing laws, please contact us:

• Email: contact@flyfishkw.com
• Phone: +1 (305) 767-9828
• Address: 5710 US-1, Naval Air Station, Key West, FL 33040, United States

By booking and participating in our fishing charters, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to comply with this policy, helping us uphold the highest standards of legal and environmental responsibility.