We talked with fish and game. They said that you are not allowed to spearfish within 100 yards of the public swimming areas, and about that distance from the piers, but you are allowed to access public beaches with speargun in hand. We get dirty looks all the time from soccer moms, but thats because they don't understand the laws and just assume we are unsafe. The city parks, (aka red reef, south beach boca, boca inlet) likely do prohibit spearguns on their property (not entirely sure of the legality here). I always go from metered parking in Deerfield or further south towards Ft. Lauderdale to avoid city park beaches (they don't have any good ledges within 500 yds of shore anyway). We have only been stopped once by a police officer doing this, and after explaining that fish and wildlife (F&W) said it was ok to access the beach for spearfishing (just not hunting within 100yds of shore) they let us go on our merry way and I got me some fresh dinner. Another time while spearing just south of the pier near commercial blvd, a F&W game boat came by so flagged him down and asked about the legality of spearing at that location. I only asked because there are "no spearfishing" signs on the beach. He claimed that the signs are in referecne to the 100yd from shore rule.
I say check out the places you want to shore dive from, call F&W if you are unsure, and if anybody gives you trouble just politely explain the F&W laws or find someplace else to dive. It isn't worth getting other people mad by arguing so that you can go have a good time.
PS Got any inshore Florida fish to add to the list?
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Stephen
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