Magnet Fishing Laws in Florida

State Agency & Regulatory Framework

Florida's Historical Resources Act (§§ 267.001–267.13) applies to all submerged state lands. Recovering items from the bottom of state waterways without a permit may require notification to the Division of Historical Resources depending on the item's nature and age. Florida's found property statute (§§ 705.101–705.106) requires reporting found property of value. Florida law enforcement has been active in following up on magnet fishing firearm finds; always call the non-emergency line immediately when recovering a firearm. Florida Statute § 790.065 and related provisions create specific exposure for anyone transporting a found firearm without notifying law enforcement.

State Park Policy

Florida State Parks (Florida DEP, Division of Recreation and Parks) has no blanket prohibition on magnet fishing. Freshwater areas designated for fishing are generally accessible. Coastal and saltwater areas may have separate restrictions. Contact the specific park.

Waterway Access & Navigability

Florida has extensive publicly navigable waterways — the St. Johns River, Suwannee, Apalachicola, and hundreds of coastal waterways are publicly accessible. Florida's Public Trust Doctrine covers tidal and navigable waters. Submerged state lands are managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Board of Trustees.

If You Find a Firearm

Regardless of Florida state law details, the protocol for a firearm find is consistent: do not transport it, call the local non-emergency police line immediately, document the find location, and turn it over to the responding officer. Request a case number. For the full protocol, see: Found a Gun While Magnet Fishing.

Historical Artifact Reporting

Items 100+ years old recovered from public land in Florida may be protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (federal) and Florida state antiquity law. Contact your State Historic Preservation Office before disturbing or retaining any potentially historical find.

Florida SHPO: Division of Historical Resources, (850) 245-6300

Quick Reference

• Managing Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) — (888) 347-4356
• General Access Status: Generally Permitted
• State Parks: Florida State Parks (Florida DEP, Division of Recreation and...
• SHPO: Florida SHPO: Division of Historical Resources, (850) 245-6300
• Found Firearms: Call non-emergency police, do not transport
• Federal Waterways: Contact USACE district office for managed sites

Key Guides for Florida Magnet Fishers