Right to Fish and Hunt Unanimously Passes Florida House of Representatives
IOTR leads anglers, hunters, in fight to pass constitutional amendment in Sunshine State

[Tallahassee, Fla.] – International Order of T. Roosevelt and T. Roosevelt Action Executive Director Luke Hilgemann issued the following statement after the Florida House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation today that would allow Florida voters to support amending the state constitution to protect the right to fish and hunt. The legislation passed 116-0 and, if approved by voters, would make Florida the 24th state to pass a constitutional Right to Fish and Hunt.

“While hunting and fishing traditions are prevalent and popular throughout Florida, they are under attack in states across the nation. The International Order of T. Roosevelt and T. Roosevelt Action are advocating for our fishing and hunting way of life in states across the country and we are pleased the Florida House strongly supports this effort. Floridians want to continue celebrating Florida’s sporting heritage and we applaud House bill author Rep. Lauren Melo for championing the cause of anglers and hunters by advancing this important legislation.”

Florida’s saltwater and freshwater recreational fishing industry generate $13.8 billion in annual economic impact for Florida and support 120,000 jobs. On land, Florida’s hunters and target shooters generate a $2 billion economic impact that includes 14,300 jobs.

In order to inform Florida citizens and educate them on the constitutional amendment, International Order of T. Roosevelt launched an advertising campaign. The digital advocacy strategically reached hunters and lawmakers across the state of Florida promoting the lack of a constitutional right to hunt and fish. IOTR is also actively promoting the rights of anglers and hunters in other states including Ohio and South Dakota.

There is widespread support in Florida for this legislation. Other prominent outdoor organizations and individuals joining IOTR to support efforts in Florida to amend the constitution include: 

  • Rodney Barreto, Chairman, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
  • Delta Waterfowl
  • Ducks Unlimited
  • Safari Club International
  • Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation
  • National Shooting Sports Foundation
  • National Deer Association
  • Izaak Walton League Cypress Chapter
  • Florida Guides Association
  • American Sportfishing Association
  • Coastal Conservation Association Florida
  • American Daughters of Conservation
  • All Florida
  • Backcountry Hunters and Anglers
  • Florida Airboat Association
  • United Waterfowlers of Florida
  • Bonefish & Tarpon Trust
  • Howl.org
  • Future of Hunting in Florida
  • Florida Sportsmen’s Conservation Association