Pennsylvania Fishing License Fees May Be Going Up

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commissions (PFBC) Board of Commissioners met and discussed a possible increase in the cost of fishing and other licensing fees.

On June 10, 2022, according to a PFBC press release, the PFBC Board of Commissioners preliminary approved a set of fee adjustments for fishing and other various licenses and permits for 2023. If the approval becomes final during a future meeting, this would be the first time fees have gone up for fishing licenses since 2005.

“These modest fee adjustments would ensure that important infrastructure, services, and programs for anglers and boaters can continue and improve into the future while keeping prices reasonable,” said Richard Kauffman, PFBC President and District 8 Commissioner. “While the price of a fishing license has remained the same for the past 17 years, operational expenses have continued to go up, and it is time to bring our fees in line with our business needs.”

If the proposal goes through, the cost will be raised to an additional $2.50 per license, generating roughly $2.5 million annually to fund PFBC programs, according to the PFBC press release. Regular fishing licenses, and permits, Resident Annual Fishing License, Trout Permit, and Combination Trout/Lake Erie Permit would all be affected by this proposed change. Separate increases will affect other licenses and permits for the categories of non-residents, seniors, and tourists.

In addition, other licenses were given preliminary approval, such as boat titles, licenses and permits, and the associated categories, according to the PFBC. Administration fees for getting a title certificate issued, cast net permits, and penalties for uncollectable checks will generate $30,000 annually for the PFBC Boat fund and related programs.

Act 56 gave PFBC authority to set fees and propose adjustments that must have preliminary board approval, proposed during a public hearing before final approval, according to the PFBC. All adjustments between the Pennsylvania House and Senate Game and Fishery Committees are shared for review.

To watch this meeting, click here.  

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