Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
School Fishing Program (fishing equipment and curriculum for school clubs)
Florida's wildlife agency gives school fishing clubs a free curriculum and, for a limited number of schools, rods, reels and tackle. Registered private schools are named.
- Amount
- Free curriculum; fishing rods, reels and tackle for up to 15 students (in-kind, limited number of schools)
- Can a for-profit school apply?
- Unclear: ask the funder
- Deadline
- Sep 30, 2027 (337 days left)
- Who this fits
- Private school · MicroschoolIn-person public, private and charter schools with a fishing club. Private schools must be registered with FLDOE. Virtual schools and homeschools can't get equipment.Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
- New schools
- Not stated for new schools
- Where
- Florida only
- Last checked
- Oct 28, 2026on myfwc.com
Unconfirmed: check with the funder
We couldn’t confirm these on an official page. Treat them as open questions, not facts.
- Exact 2027 opening announcement (FWC announces each year by news release)
- Whether a for-profit microschool registered with FLDOE is treated the same
What to do now
- Step 1: Start a fishing club with an adult sponsor and at least 5 students
- Step 2: Get a support letter from your principal
- Step 3: Read the Registration Rules & Guidelines
- Step 4: Register right when the window opens August 20, 2027 (first-come, first-served)
Funders change their requirements. Check the official page before you apply. Getting ready? See what funders usually ask for.
Who can apply
“In-person brick-and-mortar public, private, and charter elementary, middle, and/or high school with a fishing club.”
Private schools must be registered with the Florida Department of Education. The club needs an adult sponsor (school employee or registered volunteer), at least 5 students, and a support letter from the principal or assistant principal. Equipment goes first-come, first-served, with some saved for Title I and Title III schools. FWC says the registration form stays open after August 20 for schools that only want the instructor's manual and digital resources. Clubs can also compete in the Fishing and Conservation Challenge for prizes (report by March 31). FWC no longer gives money, only equipment. Faith hint: not_stated. Paid-to hint: school (equipment).
- Brick-and-mortar school with a fishing club; private schools registered with FLDOE
- Adult sponsor and at least 5 students
- Principal or assistant principal support letter
Timing
Equipment registration runs August 20 to September 30 each year (5 p.m. Eastern) under FWC's standing rules; the 2026 window has closed. FWC announces each year's window by news release.