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
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.
Common Questions About Florida Fishing Licenses
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!
