County attorneys told commissioners Tuesday that Florida law allows fishing from public beaches and takes precedence over conflicting county ordinances. Commissioners now plan to repeal or rewrite portions of the county's existing law and replace them with restrictions based on public safety. The county banned fishing from public beaches years ago, but local fishermen have recently pushed back, arguing the rule amounts to government overreach.
Residents who addressed commissioners said they are concerned fishermen are putting swimmers at risk by attracting sharks close to shore. Chumming directly from the beach is already prohibited under Florida law, but commissioners heard complaints that some fishermen are using drones or remote-controlled boats to carry bait offshore before dropping it into the water, potentially allowing them to skirt the state restriction.
County attorneys recommended drafting a new ordinance that complies with state fishing laws while relying on the county's authority to protect public safety and welfare. Under the proposal, fishing could be prohibited from county beaches during lifeguard hours, when swimmers are most likely to be in the water. The revised ordinance would also prohibit fishing from boat docks while boats are being launched or returning to shore. Commissioners directed county staff to draft the new ordinance and bring it back for a future vote.