The prevalence and persistence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their environmental effects is of widespread concern. Determining PFAS mobility is vital for developing efficient remediation strategies and current tracing techniques are complex. We propose that a fluorescent PFAS probe could enable rapid PFAS tracing and negate drawbacks associated with current techniques. Accordingly, we synthesised an early proof-of-concept probe, containing a maleimide motif grafted to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), to impart fluorescent properties. This PFOA-based fluorescent maleimide probe (PFMal) retains similar key physico-chemical characteristics including critical micelle concentration, and foam-like properties inherent to PFOA, along with newly observed fluorescent properties, thus suggesting a potential to act as an environmental proxy. Further exploration of this molecule, namely through plant, concrete, or soil studies, could enable a greater understanding of PFAS behaviour in range of natural and artificial media.