Florida Fishing License: A Comprehensive Guide How To Get Yours
Are you an avid fisherman looking to take advantage of Florida’s abundance of fishing spots? Before you head out, make sure you get your Florida fishing license online! Getting your license is a breeze – whether online or in person. The cost of a fishing license in Florida depends on the type and length of your license, freshwater or saltwater fishing license, and residency status.
This article aims to provide simple information on how to obtain fishing licenses in Florida.
- A valid Florida fishing license is required for anyone who wants to engage in fishing activities in the state.
- Florida fishing licenses can be purchased online, by phone, or in person at authorized retailers.
- The cost of a Florida fishing license varies depending on factors such as residency status, age, and the type of license needed.
- Different types of fishing licenses are available in Florida, including freshwater, saltwater, and combination licenses.
- Additional permits may be required for certain types of fishing, such as lobstering or snook fishing.
- It’s important to ensure you have the appropriate licenses and permits before engaging in any fishing activities in Florida.
By continuing to read, you can obtain the essential knowledge needed for a legal and successful fishing trip in Florida. Learn about the required licenses, their costs, and how to easily purchase them.
Why You Need a Florida Fishing License
In Florida, anglers must possess a valid fishing license in order to legally engage in fishing activities. Regardless of your residency status and age, you must obtain the appropriate documentation in order to fish without the risk of fines or penalties.
But why exactly is a fishing license required? This is because the revenue generated from licensing helps fund conservation initiatives such as restocking fish populations and maintaining aquatic habitats. When you purchase a fishing license, you are helping ensure that Florida’s natural resources are available for future generations.
For those who want to take advantage of Florida’s fishing opportunities, an array of licenses is available for residents and non-residents alike. Whether you’re a novice or experienced angler, whether you opt for daily or annual fishing licenses – all these options can be obtained online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website, phone services, or at various retailers around the Sunshine State. Discounted rates are also offered for senior citizens and active military personnel.
Types of Florida Licenses
Freshwater Fishing License
To fish for both native and non-native Freshwater fish in Florida, individuals are required to have the appropriate fishing licenses.
Saltwater Fishing License
A valid Florida fishing license is required to legally catch or harvest saltwater species, crabs, clams, or other organisms in Florida, regardless of whether caught in state or federal waters. Remember that gear restrictions apply for catching lionfish and collecting non-living seashells.
Resident Fishing License
A Florida resident, who can provide proof of residency, such as a valid Florida driver’s license or state ID card, can purchase annual or 5-year fishing licenses valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. These licenses cover both freshwater and saltwater fishing and include combined license options. Remember that the minimum resident age requirement for a fishing license is 16 years.
Non-Resident Fishing License
An individual not a Florida resident and is 16 years old or above must have a Florida Non-Resident Fishing License to legally fish in the state’s freshwater or saltwater bodies. The license is available in annual, 3-day, and 7-day options.
Sportsman’s Fishing License for Residents
Florida residents can obtain the Sportsman’s license, which covers Freshwater fishing and hunting licenses and permits for Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Deer, Turkey, and Florida Waterfowl. However, this license does not include a Saltwater fishing license, Snook, or Lobster permits.
Silver Sportsman’s Fishing License for Residents (64+)
Florida residents who are 64 years or older can obtain the Silver Sportsman’s license, which includes a Freshwater Fishing and Hunting license and permits for Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Deer, Turkey, and Florida Waterfowl. However, this license does not include Saltwater Fishing, Snook, or Lobster permits.
Gold Sportsman’s License
Florida residents can purchase the Gold Sportsman’s license, which includes freshwater fishing, hunting, and saltwater fishing licenses, as well as permits for Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Deer, Turkey, Florida Waterfowl, Snook, and Lobster.
Military Gold Sportsman’s License
Florida residents who are active duty or retired military personnel can purchase the Military Gold Sportsman’s license, which includes freshwater fishing and hunting licenses and permits for Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Deer, Turkey, and Florida Waterfowl. However, this license does not include Saltwater Fishing, Snook, or Lobster permits. To verify eligibility, the online verification process is available at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
Resident Youth License
The resident youth freshwater and Gold Sportsman’s License is available for Florida residents aged 8 to 15 and remains valid until their 17th birthday.
Saltwater Shoreline Fishing License
Catch some saltwater fish from the shore or a structure fixed to the shore with this free shoreline fishing license, but don’t try to use it while fishing from a vessel or a shoreline accessible by a vessel or while swimming or diving.
Lifetime License
Lifetime licenses for the Gold Sportsman, hunting, saltwater, and freshwater fishing are available.
License Free Fishing Days
License free fishing days are a great chance for non-licensed anglers to try fishing or for seasoned anglers to bring a friend without needing a license. These days, the fishing license requirement is waived for all recreational anglers, including residents and non-residents.
Freshwater Days:
- First consecutive Saturday and Sunday in April
- Second consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June
Saltwater Days:
- First consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June
- First Saturday in September
- Saturday following Thanksgiving
Florida Fishing Limits
If you’re planning a saltwater fishing trip in Florida, it pays to know the regulations and limits for different fish species. Our guide to Florida Saltwater Fish Limits provides all the information you need to make the most of your excursion.
Florida Fishing License Cost
When you purchase a fishing license in Florida, the cost can vary depending on age, residency status, duration, and license type.
Here’s an overview of the prices for licenses that will allow you to fish in both freshwater and saltwater:
| License Type | Resident Fee | Non-Resident Fee | Senior Resident (64+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater Fishing Annual | $17.00 | $47.00 | See Resident Fee |
| Freshwater Fishing 5-Year | $79.00 | N/A | See Resident Fee |
| Freshwater Fishing 3-Day | N/A | $17.00 | See Resident Fee |
| Freshwater Fishing 7-Day | N/A | $30.00 | See Resident Fee |
| Freshwater Fishing License – Lifetime (Age 4 or Younger) | $126.50 | N/A | N/A |
| Freshwater Fishing License – Lifetime (Ages 5-12) | $226.50 | N/A | N/A |
| Freshwater License – Lifetime (Ages 13 and older) | $301.50 | N/A | N/A |
| Saltwater Fishing Annual | $17.00 | $47.00 | See Resident Fee |
| Saltwater Fishing 5-Year | $79.00 | per | See Resident Fee |
| Saltwater Fishing 3-Day | N/A | $17.00 | See Resident Fee |
| Saltwater Fishing 7-Day | N/A | $30.00 | See Resident Fee |
| Saltwater Fishing License – Lifetime (Age 4 or Younger) | $126.50 | N/A | N/A |
| Saltwater Fishing License – Lifetime (Ages 5-12) | $226.50 | N/A | N/A |
| Saltwater License – Lifetime (Ages 13 and older) | $301.50 | N/A | N/A |
| Freshwater | Saltwater Fishing Combo – Annual | $32.50 | N/A | See Resident Fee |
| Freshwater Fishing | Hunting Combo – Annual | $32.50 | N/A | See Resident Fee |
| Freshwater | Saltwater Fishing | Hunting Combo – Annual | $48.00 | N/A | See Resident Fee |
| Sportsman’s License – Annual | $80.50 | N/A | See Resident Fee |
| Silver Sportsman’s 64+ – Annual | N/A | N/A | $13.50 |
| Silver Sportsman’s 64+ – 5-Year | N/A | N/A | $61.50 |
| Gold Sportsman’s License – Annual | $100.00 | N/A | See Resident Fee |
| Gold Sportsman’s License – 5-Year | $494.00 | N/A | See Resident Fee |
| Gold Sportsman’s License – Lifetime (Age 4 or Younger) | $401.50 | N/A | N/A |
| Gold Sportsman’s License – Lifetime (Ages 5-12) | $701.50 | N/A | N/A |
| Gold Sportsman’s License – Lifetime (Ages 13 and older) | $1,1001.50 | N/A | N/A |
| Military Gold Sportsman’s License – Annual | $20.00 | N/A | See Resident Fee |
| Youth Freshwater Fishing License – Annual | $17.00 | N/A | N/A |
| Youth Gold Sportsman’s License – Annual | $100.00 | N/A | N/A |
Florida Fishing Permits
Here is a list of Florida Saltwater Permits that can be obtained in addition to your license for saltwater fishing:
| Saltwater Permits | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| State Reef Fish Angler Designation | Required for anglers 16 and older fishing for certain reef fish from a private vessel in Florida | $0.00 |
| Shore-based Shark Fishing | required for anglers 16 and older in addition to a saltwater fishing license when taking or attempting to take sharks from shore, including jetties, bridges and piers. | $0.00 |
| Snook – Annual | Required, in addition to a saltwater fishing license, including shoreline fishing, when taking or attempting to take snook. | $5.00 |
| Snook – 5-Year (Residents Only) | Required, in addition to a saltwater fishing license, including shoreline fishing, when taking or attempting to take snook. | $25.00 |
| Tarpon Tags – Annual | Required, in addition to a saltwater fishing license, when landing tarpon. | $51.50 |
| Blue Crab Trap Registration – Annual | Registration is required in addition to a saltwater fishing license for recreational harvesters age 16 or older to harvest or attempt to harvest blue crabs using blue crab traps. | $0.00 |
| Stone Crab Trap Registration – Annual | Registration is required in addition to a saltwater fishing license for recreational harvesters age 16 or older to harvest or attempt to harvest stone crabs using stone crab traps. | $0.00 |
Florida Fishing Violations and Fines
In Florida, there are various fishing violations and fines that you need to be aware of to avoid penalties. Here is a list of some of the most common Florida fishing violations and their corresponding fines:
- Level One Violations:
- Hunting/fishing/trapping without a license: $50 to $500
- No quota permit or hunting zone assignment violation: $100 to $500
- Possession of captive wildlife without the required free permit: $100 to $500
- Infraction violation of the Florida litter law: $90 to $500
- Level Two Violations:
- Violations of size or bag limits for game fish: $100 to $500
- Possession of undersized game fish: $100 to $500
- Harvesting or possession of protected marine species: $250 to $500
- Interference with law enforcement: $250 to $500
- Level Three Violations:
- Violations of rules or orders prohibiting the sale of saltwater fish: $500 to $1,000
- Violations of rules or orders prohibiting the illegal importation or possession of exotic marine plants or animals: $500 to $1,000
It’s important to note that these fines are subject to change and may vary depending on the severity of the violation. Additionally, there may be other penalties, such as the suspension or revocation of your fishing license. Therefore, make sure to follow all fishing rules and regulations to avoid any legal issues.
Sources
How to Get a Florida Fishing License
Here’s a guide to help you obtain your Florida fishing license online:
Get your Florida fishing license online
Step 1: Visit the Florida Parks and Wildlife Department Website
Go to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website to purchase a Florida fishing license online. You can access the website through your web browser on any device with an internet connection.
Step 2: Manage Your Account
In this step, you can create a new online account on the Go Outdoors Florida website or sign in using the last 4 digits of your SSN or driver’s license number.
Additionally, you can download the Fish | Hunt Florida app to your device.
Step 3: Choose Your License Type
Choose the type of fishing license you need based on the type of fishing you will do, whether freshwater or saltwater fishing. There are also different options for residents and non-residents and licenses for specific durations such as annual, 3-day, or 7-day.
Step 4: Pay The Required Fee
Once you have entered all the necessary personal information, you will be prompted to pay the required fee. The fishing license cost will depend on the type of license and duration you selected.
Step 5: Review and Confirm Your Order
When you purchase a Florida fishing license online, there will be a step where you review and confirm your order before completing the transaction. This step is important to ensure that you have selected the correct license type and duration and that your personal information is accurate.
Step 6: Print Your License
After successfully completing the payment process, you will be given the option to print or save your fishing license. Be sure to keep a digital or physical copy of your license when you go fishing, as it is required to have it on hand while fishing in Florida waters.
In Person
You can obtain a fishing license by visiting a license agent or county tax collector’s office in person.
Order By Phone
By calling toll-free 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356) or 888-HUNT-FLORIDA (888-486-8356)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Florida fishing licenses:
Anyone who wants to fish in Florida needs a fishing license, except for children under 16 years of age and Florida residents who are 65 years of age or older and have a valid ID. Non-residents of Florida who are 16 years of age or older must have a fishing license to fish in the state’s waters.
The cost of a Florida fishing license varies depending on the type of license and the duration of the license. A resident annual freshwater fishing license costs $17, while a non-resident annual freshwater fishing license costs $47. A resident annual saltwater fishing license costs $17, while a non-resident annual saltwater fishing license costs $47. Other licenses, such as a 3-day freshwater or saltwater license, a 7-day freshwater or saltwater license, and a lifetime license, are available.
You can buy a Florida fishing license online, at an approved license agent or county tax collector’s office, or by calling toll-free 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356).
A Florida fishing license is valid for one year from the date of purchase unless it is a 3-day or 7-day license. These licenses are only valid for a specified number of days.
Whether you need a freshwater or saltwater fishing license depends on where you plan to fish. You need a freshwater fishing license if you plan to fish in freshwater. You need a saltwater fishing license if you plan to fish in saltwater.
There are some exemptions for Florida fishing licenses, such as military personnel who are Florida residents stationed out of state and disabled veterans who are Florida residents and have valid IDs.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Florida fishing license has become incredibly effortless with the convenience of online purchasing. With just a few clicks on GoOutdoorsFlorida, anglers can easily purchase the license they need based on the duration and type of fishing.
It’s important to note that fishing without a license in Florida can result in significant fines and penalties, so having the proper license before fishing is highly recommended.
Purchasing a fishing license online in Florida is a hassle-free process that allows anglers to explore the beauty of Florida’s waters while adhering to legal requirements.
