Is it illegal to kill a horseshoe crab in Florida?

Is it illegal to kill a horseshoe crab in Florida?

Yes, it is illegal to kill a horseshoe crab in Florida.

Recently, in a Facebook Florida nature group I saw a post that was disturbing. Someone posted asking if it was illegal to kill horseshoe crabs in Florida. The person said they had witnessed someone shooting arrows at horseshoe crabs, injuring and killing them.

I had no idea what the answer was and tried to find it on the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website. It was nowhere to be found. I commented with FWC phone number, advising that the person should call them and report the incident. I read some of the comments from others, and nobody seemed to know for sure. There were several people who commented that it was legal and some who told the person who posted to mind their own business.

I wanted to know if it was legal or not, so I emailed FWC to ask them if it is legal in the state of Florida to kill a horseshoe crab. They responded back to me via email and stated:

"Good afternoon and thank you for contacting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Killing a horseshoe crab is illegal.
REPORT VIOLATIONS
Report a fish, wildlife, or boating violation to FWC's Wildlife Alert Reward Program. If your information results in an arrest or citation, you may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Call: 888-404-FWCC (3922). Cell phone users can reach us at *FWC or #FWC, depending on the service provider.

https://myfwc.com/contact/wildlife-alert/"

I was happy to see that it is indeed illegal to kill a horseshoe crab in the state of Florida. If you see someone injuring or trying to kill a horseshoe crab in Florida, please report them immediately to FWC. If you happen to be able to get a video recording of them engaging in the act you can send them to them as well. See their instructions above.

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