Welcome to the informative article about the Florida fishing license. Understanding the procedures and rules around getting a fishing license is essential if you’re a fishing enthusiast looking to cast your hook in Florida’s stunning waterways. This page attempts to provide you with important information on Florida fishing licenses, whether you live in the state or are just visiting. We’ll go over everything you need to know to have a safe and fun fishing trip in the Sunshine State, from the variety of available licenses to the procedures for getting one. So, let’s dive in and discover everything there is to know about getting a Florida fishing license!
About Florida fishing license
Recreational fishing in Florida requires a Florida fishing license. Fishing in Florida’s ocean, bays, lagoons, lakes, and rivers is allowed with the license. The Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) issues fishing licenses to ensure fishers follow state rules and conservation activities. Florida individuals with severe impairments and Florida-based military members may qualify for complimentary fishing permits. Short-term and long-term Florida fishing permits vary in price depending on residence and tenure. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sells licenses online, in stores, and by phone. Fishing licenses help protect Florida’s unique aquatic environments.
Florida Fishing License Options
Freshwater Fishing Licenses
| Freshwater Fishing License Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Resident License | Annual or five-year license for Florida residents |
| Non-Resident License | Annual, three-day, or seven-day license for non-residents |
| Combination License | Combined freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, and hunting |
| Sportsman's License | Covers fishing, hunting, archery, muzzleloading guns, and more |
| Youth License | Optional license for youth ages 8 to 15 |
| Lifetime License | Remains valid even if you move out of Florida |
Saltwater Fishing License
| Saltwater Fishing License Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Resident License | One-year or five-year license for residents |
| Non-Resident License | Annual, three-day, or seven-day license for non-residents |
| Shoreline Only | No-cost license for fishing from the shore |
| Combination License | Combines saltwater fishing with freshwater and/or hunting |
| Sportsman's License | Covers fishing, hunting, archery, muzzleloading guns, and more |
| Youth License | Optional license for youth ages 8 to 15 |
FL Fishing Licenses Fees
Freshwater Fishing Licenses Fees
| Fresh Water Fishing License | Fee |
|---|---|
| Resident Annual | $17.00 |
| Resident Five-Year | $79.00 |
| Non-Resident Annual | $47.00 |
| Non-Resident 3-Day | $17.00 |
| Non-Resident 7-Day | $30.00 |
| Annual Resident Freshwater Fishing|Saltwater Fishing Combination | $32.50 |
| Annual Resident Freshwater Fishing|Hunting Combination | $32.50 |
| Annual Resident Freshwater Fishing|Saltwater Fishing|Hunting Combination | $48.00 |
| Annual Resident Sportsman's License | $80.50 |
| Annual Resident Silver Sportsman's 64+ | $13.50 |
| Five-Year Resident Silver Sportsman's 64+ | $61.50 |
| Annual Resident Gold Sportsman's License | $100.00 |
| Five-Year Resident Gold Sportsman's License | $494.00 |
| Annual Resident Military Gold Sportsman's License | $20.00 |
| Resident Youth Freshwater Fishing License | $17.00 |
| Resident Youth Gold Sportsman's License (with completion of hunter education requirements) | $100.00 |
Residents Only Lifetime Licenses
| Lifetime License Type | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime Gold Sportsman's | 4 or younger | $401.50 |
| Ages 5-12 | $701.50 | |
| Ages 13+ | $1,001.50 | |
| Lifetime Hunting | 4 or younger | $201.50 |
| Ages 5-12 | $351.50 | |
| Ages 13+ | $501.50 | |
| Lifetime Saltwater Fishing | 4 or younger | $126.50 |
| Ages 5-12 | $226.50 | |
| Ages 13+ | $301.50 | |
| Lifetime Freshwater Fishing | 4 or younger | $126.50 |
| Ages 5-12 | $226.50 | |
| Ages 13+ | $301.50 |
Salt Water Fishing Licenses Fees
| Saltwater License Type | Fees |
|---|---|
| Resident Annual | $17.00 |
| Resident Five-Year | $79.00 |
| Non-Resident Annual | $47.00 |
| Non-Resident 3-Day | $17.00 |
| Non-Resident 7-Day | $30.00 |
| Saltwater Shoreline-Only (Resident Annual) | No-Cost |
| Fishing and Hunting Combination | |
| (Saltwater Fishing and Freshwater Fishing) | |
| Annual Resident | $32.50 |
| Annual Resident | $48.00 |
| Gold Sportsman's License | |
| (Includes Saltwater Fishing, Hunting, and Freshwater Fishing) | |
| Annual Resident | $100.00 |
| Five-Year Resident | $494.00 |
| Military Gold Sportsman's License | |
| (Includes Hunting, Saltwater Fishing, and Freshwater Fishing) | |
| Annual Resident (Military) | $20.00 |
| Youth Licenses | |
| Resident Youth Saltwater Fishing | $17.00 |
| Resident Youth Gold Sportsman's | |
| License (with hunter education completion) | $100.00 |
Florida Saltwater Fishing Permit
| Saltwater Fishing Permit Type | Age Requirement | Fee | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Reef Fish Angler Designation | 16 and older | $0.00 | Annual |
| Shore-based Shark Fishing | 16 and older | $0.00 | Annual |
| Snook | All | $10.00 | Annual, Five-Year (Residents Only) |
| Spiny Lobster | All | $5.00 | Annual, Five-Year (Residents Only) |
| Tarpon Tags | All | $51.50 | Annual (Available at tax collector's offices only) |
| Trap Registration - Blue Crab | 16 and older | $0.00 | Annual (Available at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com) |
| Trap Registration - Stone Crab | 16 and older | $0.00 | Annual (Available at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com) |
Recreational Vessel & Saltwater Fishing Pier Licenses
| License | Fee |
|---|---|
| Vessel - Recreational License (Annual) | $2,001.50 |
| Saltwater Fishing Pier License (Annual) | $501.50 |
How to buy a Florida fishing license?
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Online - GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or Fish Hunt FL app | Visit the website GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or use the Fish Hunt FL app to purchase your license online. |
| In Person - License agent, tax collector's office, sporting shops, and more | Head to the nearest license agent, tax collector's office, sporting shops, Walmart, or bait and tackle shop to apply for a license in person. |
| Phone - Toll-free hotlines | Call the toll-free hotlines: 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356) or 888-HUNT-FLORIDA (888-486-8356) to purchase a license over the phone. |
License-Free Fishing Days
| Type of Fishing | License-Free Fishing Dates |
|---|---|
| Freshwater | First consecutive Saturday and Sunday in April |
| Second consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June | |
| Saltwater | First consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June |
| First Saturday in September | |
| Saturday following Thanksgiving |
License Exemption
| License Exemption |
|---|
| Child under 16 years of age |
| Florida resident 65+ with evidence of age and residence |
| Fishing using live or natural bait on poles or lines without a line-retrieval system. |
| Georgia-licensed fishing in the St. Mary's River or Lake Seminole |
| Freshwater fishing in homestead or spouse/parent's county. |
| Florida inhabitant with a Florida Resident Disabled Hunting and Fishing Certificate |
| Resident US Armed Forces personnel not stationed in Florida, home on leave for 30 days or fewer, upon receipt of orders. |
| The Agency for Persons with disability accepted you for developmental disability services, with documentation. |
| Resident Freshwater Commercial Fishing License |
| License-Free Freshwater Fishing Days are April 6-7, 2024, and June 8-9, 2024. |
Fishing Privileges in Private Fish Ponds within Property Lines
| Fish Pond Fishing |
|---|
| Fishing in a fish pond that is 20 acres or smaller and is totally restricted inside the owner's own land |
| Using a fish pond license, which costs $3 per surface acre, to fish in a body of water larger than 20 acres |
Fishing Seasons and Limits
Statewide Season Limits
| Fish Species | Bag Limit | Length Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Black Bass (including largemouth, Suwannee, spotted, Choctaw, and shoal bass) | 5 per person, 1 of which may be 16 inches or longer | No minimum length for largemouth bass |
| Suwannee, Shoal, Spotted, and Choctaw Bass | No kill or possession below 12 inches | N/A |
| Chipola River and its tributaries (Shoal Bass) | Catch and release only | N/A |
| Panfish (bluegill, redear sunfish, flier, longear sunfish, mud sunfish, shadow bass, spotted sunfish, warmouth, redbreast sunfish) | 50 per person | N/A |
| Crappie (speckled perch) | 25 per person | N/A |
| Striped Bass, White Bass, Sunshine Bass | 20 per person, up to 6 can be 24 inches or longer | N/A |
| Striped Bass (Suwannee River and tributaries) | 3 per person, at least 18 inches in total length | N/A |
| Striped Bass (Lower Ochlockonee River) | 3 per person, only 1 can be 24 inches or longer | No minimum length |
| Butterfly Peacock Bass | 2 per person, only 1 can be 17 inches or longer | N/A |
| Alabama Shad, American Shad, Hickory Shad, Blueback Herring | 10 per person, hook and line gear only | N/A |
| American Eels | 25 per angler per day, must be 9 inches or longer | N/A |
FL Special Season Limits
| Location | Black Bass (Length Limit) | Striped Bass, White Bass, Sunshine Bass (Length Limit) | Crappie (Length Limit) | Panfish (Does not include crappie) | Pickerel (Length Limit) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jim Woodruff Reservoir, Lake Seminole | 10 (12 inches or longer) | 15 (no more than 2 can be 22 inches or longer) | 30 | 50 | 15 |
| St. Marys River and its tributaries | 10 (12 inches or longer) | 2 (both must be at least 22 inches) | 30 | 50 | 15 |
| Lake Talquin, Leon and Gadsden counties | N/A | N/A | Crappie less than 10 | N/A | N/A |
| Silver Glen Springs in Lake and Marion counties and Salt Springs in Marion County | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Rainbow Springs, Marion County | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Wildcat Lake, Marion County (Ocala National Forest) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| St. Johns River Water Management Area (Farm 13, including the Stick Marsh) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Fellsmere Water Management Area (Headwaters Lake and Egan Lake), Indian River County | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| S.N. Knight Tract, Indian River County (Kenansville Lake) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Lake Okeechobee | N/A | N/A | Crappie less than 10 | N/A | N/A |
| Perdido River | 10 | 15 (only 5 can be 22 inches or longer) | 30 | 50 | N/A |
| Lake Jackson (Walton County) | 5 (all must be 12 inches or longer, only 1 can be longer than 22 inches) | 15 (only 5 can be 22 inches or longer) | 30 | 50 | N/A |
Florida Fishing License Requirements
| Age Group | Documentation Required |
|---|---|
| Under 13 | - Certified copy of child's birth certificate |
| - Social Security Card | |
| - Copy of Florida driver's license of one parent on birth certificate | |
| 13-18 | - Student ID Card (from a Florida school) |
| - Parent's proof of residency (accompanied by parent at purchase) | |
| 16 and older | - Valid Florida Driver's License or Identification Card |
| with residency verified by Florida DHSMV |
Residency Requirements
| FL Fishing License Residency Requirement | Accepted Proofs of Residency |
|---|---|
| Primary Proof | Florida DHSMV-verified driver license or ID card. |
| Florida Military Orders active-duty US military and their immediate families stationed here. | |
| Alternate Proof (for residents without a Florida Driver License or ID Card) | Florida voter registration card |
| County clerks issue domicile declarations. | |
| Florida homestead exemption | |
| Additional Proofs (for youths under 18) | Florida student ID |
| Proof of residence - youngster must be accompanied by a parent while purchasing. | |
| Additional Documentation (for lifetime license for child under 13) | A lifetime license for a kid under 13 requires additionally documentation. |
Note: Landlord certification is no longer considered a valid form of residence identification.
Shoreline license requirements
| Shoreline License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| License Type | Saltwater Shoreline Fishing License |
| Eligibility | Residents who only saltwater fish from the land or a structure attached to land |
| Exclusions | Does not cover fishing from a boat or from an island accessed by a boat |
| Documentation Required (Residents) | None |
| License Cost (Residents) | Free |
| Eligibility (Non-Residents) | Non-residents are not eligible for this license |
| Non-Resident Options | Non-residents must purchase a 3-day, 7-day, or annual non-resident saltwater fishing license unless covered by a charter or pier license |
| Shoreline License Requirement Effective | 1-Aug-09 |
| Who Needs a Valid Shoreline License? | Resident saltwater anglers fishing from shore or a structure affixed to shore unless exempted or holding a regular saltwater license |
| Regular Saltwater License | Resident regular saltwater fishing license ($17) covers fishing from shore and vessel |
| Wading into the Water | Anglers wading into the water for saltwater fishing are considered fishing from shore if they stand on the bottom and not arrive by boat |
| Arriving at Fishing Spot by Boat | If arriving at the saltwater fishing location by boat, a regular saltwater fishing license is required |
| Nonresident Shoreline License | Not available to nonresidents |
| Exemptions | - Residents age 65 or older |
| - Children under age 16 | |
| - Resident disabled persons who meet certain qualifications | |
| - Active duty military personnel while home on leave | |
| - Anglers fishing from a licensed pier | |
| - Resident anglers drawing food stamps, temporary cash assistance, or Medicaid with proof of identification and benefit issuance | |
| or program identification card issued by DCFS or AHCA | |
| - Anglers using a pole or line without a line retrieval mechanism (such as a reel) in their home counties | |
| Gear Exemption (Pole or Line) | Resident saltwater anglers using a pole or line without a retrieval mechanism, using natural bait, exempt in home county |
| Gear Exemption (Net, Crab Basket, etc.) | Anglers using gear other than hook and line (e.g., traps, baskets, nets) are not exempt from license requirements |
| Exemption for Gathering Shellfish by Hand | No exemption for gathering shellfish or marine animals by hand |
| Upgrading to Regular Saltwater License | Anglers with a shoreline license can purchase a regular saltwater fishing license if needed |
| Federal Registration Requirement | The shoreline license requirement was passed to exempt resident anglers from a federal registration requirement and fee |
| Freshwater Shoreline License | No general exemption or license requirement for fishing from the shore or structure attached to the shore in freshwater |
| Additional Information | More information about license requirements is available at MyFWC.com |
| Snook Permit Requirement | If not exempt and holding a shoreline license, a Snook Permit is required to keep a snook in season |
| State Reef Fish Angler Designation | Starting July 1, 2020, anglers age 16 and older fishing from a private boat must add the State Reef Fish Angler designation |
| to their license or customer account to participate in the |
Fishing regulations in Florida
- Florida anglers must follow their bag limitations. With a commercial license, licensed anglers can transport or possess up to two days’ fish bag limit. Aquaculturist-obtained fish for aquariums, brood stock, pond stocking, or sale are exempt. These laws encourage fishermen to fish responsibly and avoid overfishing.
- No one may have more than twice the daily bag limit of freshwater game fish in Florida for two days.
- Unless allowed by law, Florida residents cannot capture or possess native freshwater fish or eggs. The wastefulness of fish resources is also forbidden. These safeguards ensure the state’s survival and ecological equilibrium of freshwater fish species. The laws promote sustainable management of Florida’s freshwater ecosystems by discouraging hazardous actions that might deplete or destroy native fish populations.
- Grass carp and alligator gar are forbidden without a permit. Thus, captured fish must be released immediately. The restrictions govern and monitor the ownership and spread of certain fish species to protect them and the environment. Sportsmen must release grass carp and alligator gar to protect Florida’s aquatic ecosystems.
- Florida anglers must keep game species, including black bass, striped bass, and white bass, or their hybrids, peacock bass, crappie, and panfish, alive until they stop fishing. During fishing, filleting or removing the head or tail fin is banned. The legislation helps authorities verify precise measurements and compliance with minimum length or slot-size requirements. Regulations protect size limitations and sustainable fishing by keeping game fish intact until the fishing day is through.
For complete regulations, find the links below:
| General FMA Regulations |
| Northwest Region |
| North Central Region |
| Northeast Region |
| Southwest Region |
| South Region |
| Bag Regulations |
| Taking method |
Who needs a Florida fishing license?
Florida residents and visitors must have a Florida fishing license to participate in fishing activities. Who need a Florida fishing license is listed below:
- Florida Residents: Any Florida citizen who wants to go fishing must have a Florida fishing license, regardless of age.
- Non-Resident Visitors: To engage in freshwater fishing, sea fishing, and hunting activities, non-residents who are 16 years of age or older must also get a Florida fishing license.
- Saltwater Shoreline Fishing: A $10 shoreline fishing license is required for anybody who wants to fish from the shore in saltwater without using a boat.
It is essential to remember that there are certain exceptions. For instance:
- A free Florida Resident Disabled Person Hunting and Fishing License may be available to Floridians with severe impairments.
- If they are Florida Residents, military members stationed in Florida may also fish without charge.
Frequently Asked Questions on Florida Fishing License
Do the license requirements in Florida depend on the location or the species of fish caught?
Unless excluded, Florida requires fishing licenses for freshwater and saltwater. Fishing in freshwater or saltwater requires a license. The criterion needs to be clarified in estuary environments with freshwater and saltwater species. A species-specific license is required. Freshwater or saltwater gear requires a license. Without a license, you must release any animal you capture. Regardless of region, fish species need licenses. Mullet, a saltwater species, may be caught in freshwater with a freshwater license.
What types of fishing licenses are required in Florida?
Florida fishing licenses vary by activity and water type. Lakes, rivers, and ponds need freshwater fishing permits for residents and non-residents. These permits do not limit freshwater crayfish. Saltwater fishing permits are required for ocean and Gulf of Mexico fishing. Non-residents may get saltwater licenses. Commercial and charter fishing needs special permits. Review Florida’s fishing license laws, considering resident status, age, and fishing type. To follow state fishing laws, you need the right license.
Are separate licenses needed for freshwater and saltwater fishing in Florida?
Florida requires separate permits for freshwater and saltwater fishing. The ocean, bays, and lagoons need a saltwater fishing license, whereas lakes and rivers require a freshwater fishing license. Florida citizens may get combined licenses for freshwater and saltwater fishing. Combination licenses save time and money. Residents and non-residents need fishing permits. Duration and kind affect fishing license prices. For licensing requirements, prices, exemptions, or reduced-cost choices for certain organizations, see the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website or other trustworthy sources.
Are there any exemptions to the requirement of having a fishing license in Florida?
Yes, there are exemptions to the requirement of having a fishing license in Florida. Anglers don’t require a license if the pier is licensed for saltwater fishing. Florida recreational fishing licenses are not required for children under 16. These exemptions may have limits. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website or other sources may explain the exemption conditions.
Can fishing licenses be purchased online in Florida?
Florida offers online fishing licenses. The FWC’s website sells fishing permits. Florida citizens and non-residents may easily get fishing licenses and permit online. Individuals may browse FWC licenses, choose the right one, and buy it online. It’s best to check the FWC website or other sources for the latest information on buying fishing permits online in Florida. Requirements, costs, and alternatives may change.
Where can fishing licenses be obtained in person in Florida?
Florida fishing licenses and permits may be purchased in person at tackle shops, outdoor stores, Florida tax collector’s offices, and county tax collector’s offices. Fishing permits are available at these places. However, contact the closest authorized agencies or relevant authorities to confirm the availability and locations of Florida fishing permits in person.
Is there a difference in license requirements for residents and non-residents of Florida?
Florida fishing licenses vary for residents and non-residents. Residents and non-residents must buy fishing licenses. However, some organizations are excluded. Residents must live in Florida full-time or be US military personnel stationed there. Residents may get longer-term and saltwater/freshwater combination licenses. Vacationers may buy shorter-term permits. Florida people with severe impairments and qualifying military veterans get free fishing permits. Consult the FWC or approved merchants to remain up to speed on licensing requirements.
Are there age restrictions for obtaining a fishing license in Florida?
Age requirements apply to getting a fishing license in Florida. In general, to fish in Florida’s freshwater or saltwater bodies, those who are 16 years of age or older, including citizens and non-residents, must possess a valid fishing license.
Can a single fishing license be used for recreational and commercial fishing in Florida?
Recreational and commercial fishing licenses are different in Florida. Commercial fishing requires a license, whereas recreational fishing is for personal pleasure. Resident and non-resident commercial fishing permits have different restrictions and pricing [5]. For the latest fishing license information in Florida, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or the licensing authority. In summary, Florida fishing permits for recreational and commercial fishing have different roles, fees, and restrictions.
What are the consequences of fishing without a valid license in Florida?
Depending on the offense and circumstances, Florida fishing without a license may result in penalties, court summons, or possibly jail. Fishing without a license is a level one noncriminal misdemeanor under Florida code 379.354. Civil sanctions usually include a license fine plus $50. Fishing without a license is usually a $50 fine; however, it may vary based on location, restricted seasons, and protected regions. To avoid these penalties, Florida residents should check with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or other authorities for the latest information on fishing without a license.
Which crayfish species are illegal to take in Florida?
Florida regulates freshwater crayfish. Freshwater crayfish have no seasons, gear, bag, or size limitations. Crayfish may be caught without a license. Capturing state-listed crayfish such as Panama City, Sims Sink, and Black Creek is banned. Cave-dwelling crayfish cannot be collected.