Fishing is such an important part of life in the Sunshine State that you’ll find it hard not to pick up a rod while you’re here. But before you start, you need to make sure you’re covered with a Florida fishing license. Luckily, these are easy to come by. Here’s our complete guide to everything you need to know before you get out on the water.
Quick View: Florida Fishing Licenses
Hi guys, I’m Mark,
and today we’ll be going over how to get a fishing license in the beautiful state of Florida. There are lots of questions on the internet about who needs a fishing license, whether you need one when you’re hopping on a charter boat, and what are some of the exceptions. So, I’ll try to address some of these questions so hopefully you spend less time looking for answers and more time fishing. Luckily, getting the right type of fishing license in Florida is super easy.
And since you can fish without a license on a charter boat or even on a licensed pier, Florida is probably one of the easiest states to plan a fishing trip in. Since Florida offers such a wide variety of fishing packages, it’s important to know which one is right for you.
The two main types of licenses are saltwater and freshwater licenses. Just some words of advice, if you’ll be fishing in brackish water or anywhere where you might be targeting a mixture of both freshwater and saltwater species, I recommend getting both types of licenses.
The last thing you want to do is hook a fish that you’re not covered to catch and get a fine because of that.
The good news for visitors coming to Florida is that all saltwater fishing charters cover licenses for everyone onboard, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing one on your own. However, if you choose to fish with a guide in freshwater, you will need to purchase your own license. You can fish for most species with a regular saltwater or freshwater fishing license.
However, there
are some species that require additional tags. These include Snook, Tarpon, and Spiny Lobster. Also, be aware of seasonality for certain species, such as Red Snapper in federal waters. These rules can change year-to-year, so just be sure to stay up-to-date with any local regulations and you should be good.
Long story short,
all non-residents over 16 and any resident aged between 16 and 65 will need to purchase a fishing license before heading out. Also, this is very important to know: anyone involved in any type of fishing activities also needs to purchase a fishing license. For example, if you’re helping your friend by baiting their hooks or setting up any of their gear, you will also need to purchase a fishing license. Again, as mentioned earlier, if you’re hopping on a saltwater charter you will not need to buy a fishing license.
You don’t need a license to fish from a licensed pier in Florida as well. Florida residents with severe disabilities can fish for free with a Florida Resident Disabled Person Hunting and Fishing License. Military personnel from Florida can fish for free if they’re visiting home for up to a month. Florida residents receiving benefits or food stamps from the government can do land-based saltwater fishing without a license.
Any Florida resident can get a free shoreline fishing license, which allows you to fish for saltwater species from land or from structures that are attached to land. If you are 65 and over, and are from out of state, you will still need a regular salt or freshwater fishing license. However, senior Florida residents can fish for free but must bring proof of age and address. Anyone who’s eligible to fish without a license should make sure to bring proof that they are qualified to do so in order to show to the Coast Guard.
For instance, children under 16 should bring proof of age with them at all times. If you’re caught fishing without a license and you’re eligible for one, you will have to pay the cost of the license plus an additional fine. The penalty starts usually at $50, so make sure all your paperwork is in order before you head out on the water. The easiest
way to purchase your Florida fishing license is online and you can do so at Gofloridaoutdoors.com
or by visiting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s main website. You can also buy it over the phone. Just call the toll-free number 888-FISH-FLORIDA or 888-347-4356. They’re available at all registered retailers such as Walmart, tax collector’s offices, and registered bait and tackle shops across the state.
Annual fishing licenses in Florida are valid for 12 months from the date that they were issued. The expiration date will be printed on the license itself. Once it expires, you can renew your fishing license at any official retailer. If your fishing license is lost or stolen, you can purchase a replacement for only $2.
For the most part, your license is usually only valid in Florida but there are some interstate waters that border with Georgia where you can fish with your Florida license. These are St. Mary’s River and Lake Seminole.
Now that you have all the information you need, you can finally get out there and test out the waters of the Sunshine State!
For more information, be sure to check out our full blog article that goes into more detail about how to get a Florida Fishing License. Tight lines!
Most residents and visitors to Florida need to purchase a fishing license before they cast a line. Get a saltwater fishing license to hook up on saltwater fish in the ocean, bays, and lagoons, or a freshwater fishing license for freshwater fish in lakes and rivers.
If you’re fishing in an estuary or another area that has a mixture of salt and freshwater fish, you need to be more careful. You don’t want to accidentally hook up on a fish that you’re not covered to catch!
Our advice is to purchase both a salt and a freshwater license if you’re planning to catch a variety of fish. If you catch a fish you’re not covered for, make sure to release it immediately. For instance, if you’re fishing with a saltwater license for Redfish and accidentally hook up on a Largemouth Bass, you should release the Bass right away.
The good news for visitors to Florida is that saltwater fishing charters cover licensing for everyone on board, so you can just sit back and enjoy your time on the water. Fish with a guide in freshwater, however, and you’ll still need to purchase your own license. Read on and find out how.
Who needs a Florida fishing license?
All non-residents over 16 and residents aged between 16 and 65. If you’re trying to catch a fish in Florida, you’d better make sure you’re doing it legally. And watch out – even if you’re helping someone else fish by baiting their hooks and setting up their gear, you need a fishing license, too.
Can you fish without a license in Florida?
You don’t need a license to fish on a saltwater fishing charter or a licensed fishing pier. Additionally, the following groups don’t need to pay to fish:
Florida residents with severe disabilities can fish for free with a Florida Resident Disabled Person Hunting and Fishing License.
Military personnel from Florida can fish for free if they’re visiting home for up to a month.
Florida residents receiving benefits or food stamps can do land-based saltwater fishing without a license.
Any Florida resident can get a free shoreline fishing license, which allows you to fish for saltwater species from land or from structures attached to land.
Anyone who’s eligible to fish without a license should make sure to bring proof to show to the Coast Guard. For instance, children under 16 should bring proof of age with them.
How much is a fishing license in Florida?
The price of a Florida license depends on whether you’re a Florida resident or if you’re visiting from out of state. Vacationers can purchase licenses for 3 or 7 days, while residents are eligible for longer-term licenses.
Saltwater/freshwater combo licenses are available for Florida residents only and allow you to fish all types of waterways, from the Gulf of Mexico, to the Atlantic, to inland rivers and streams. To make things easier, here’s our rundown of what residents and non-residents need to pay for the various fishing licenses. In the table, you’ll find prices for Florida freshwater licenses, Florida saltwater licenses, as well as combo options.
License Type
Resident Cost
Nonresident Cost
3-Day Freshwater
N/A
$17
7-Day Freshwater
N/A
$30
Annual Freshwater
$17
$47
5-Year Freshwater
$79
N/A
3-Day Saltwater
N/A
$17
7-Day Saltwater
N/A
$30
Annual Saltwater
$17
$47
5-Year Saltwater
$79
N/A
Annual Freshwater/Saltwater Combo
$32.50
N/A
How do I get a Florida resident fishing license?
To count as a Florida resident for fishing purposes, you should either have declared Florida as your only state of residence or be a member of the US Armed Forces who is stationed in Florida.
Apart from a small processing fee, all the money you spend goes to the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC). It’s all invested into keeping Florida’s fishery healthy and sustainable. This means your license is helping people enjoy this world-class resource for years to come. Not bad!
Additional Fishing Permits in Florida – Snook, Tarpon, Spiny Lobster
You can catch most fish with a regular salt or freshwater license (as long as they’re legal to target). However, there are three species that need an additional tag or permit in Florida. These are Snook, Tarpon, and Spiny Lobster.
Species
Regulations
Snook
A Snook permit is needed to keep 1 Snook p/ day in open season. Price: $10 per year or $50 for five years (residents only).
Tarpon
Tarpon is catch and release only unless a Tarpon tag is purchased, which allows 1 Tarpon p/ year for anglers pursuing an IGFA record. Price: $51.50 per year.
Spiny Lobster
Anglers planning to take Spiny Lobster need a permit. Price: $5 per year or $25 for five years (residents only).
On top of these three, anglers will need additional cost-free permits to catch Stone Crab, Blue Crab, and target Sharks from shore. Anglers in private boats also need a free permit to fish for popular reef species like Snappers and Groupers.
Where to Buy a FL Fishing License
You can buy a Florida license online or at a number of registered retailers. These include Walmart, tax collector’s offices, and registered bait and tackle shops. You can also get them over the phone at +1 (888) 347-4356 (FISH-FLORIDA).
The most cost-effective way of getting a fishing license is to go to your local tax collector’s office. That said, many people find the added convenience of getting licensed in Walmart, online, or at your local tackle shop is worth the small additional fee that these places charge.
If you want to become a licensed fishing captain, the process is a little different. Take a look at our guide to find out more.
Fishing License Renewal
Unlike some states, annual fishing licenses in Florida are valid for 12 months from the date they were issued. You’ll always know whether you’re still covered, as the expiration date will be printed on the license itself. Once it expires, you can renew your fishing license at any official retailer.
If your fishing license is lost or stolen, you can purchase a replacement for $2.
Florida Fishing License FAQs
Is my license valid outside of Florida?
It depends. You can fish Georgia’s sections of the St Mary’s River and Lake Seminole with an FL license. However, your license won’t cover you to fish anywhere in Alabama.
I am a Florida resident and am 65 or older. Do I need a license?
No. Senior Florida residents don’t need a license to fish or to harvest Snook and Lobster. However, they do need a tag to harvest Tarpon. Importantly, you must carry proof of age and address at all times while fishing. A state ID or driver’s license will do.
I’m a Florida resident on Social Security Disability. Do I need a license to fish?
Yes, but it’s free. You need to get a Florida Resident Disabled Person’s Hunting and Fishing License, which allows you to fish in fresh and saltwater, and harvest Snook and Lobster. You can apply for a 2-year or 5-year license, depending on the severity of your disability.
I own a house in Florida. Can I get a resident fishing license?
It depends. If your ID or driver’s license is from another state, you can’t get a resident fishing license, even if you own property here. The only exception is military personnel stationed in Florida, who count as residents for licensing purposes.
Are there any free or discounted licenses for non-residents?
No. Florida doesn’t offer discounted licenses for non-residents. Everyone needs a regular non-resident fishing license. This includes seniors, active and former military personnel, and those with disabilities.
Do licenses cost more for foreign nationals?
No. Foreign nationals can buy the standard non-resident fishing licenses, just like Americans from other states.
Can I buy a license online? Can I buy it in advance?
Yes. You can buy licenses online at Go Outdoors Florida and specify when the license should be valid from when you order it. Most licenses will be sent to you via email, ready for printing. However, plastic “hard card” licenses will be shipped to you.
We’ve done our best to cover all the basics. If you still have questions, your best bet is to check with the FWC directly. If not, find a local guide or just grab your rod and get out there. Happy fishing!
Cat Tyack spends almost every spare moment she has outside. Whether it's hiking, horseback riding or fishing, she's always looking for her next adventure in the great outdoors. Having been fishing on several continents, her most memorable fishing moment was casting poppers to Mahi Mahi in the shadow of enormous oil barges in the Arabian Sea.
