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Florida is an amazing state for fishing, so if you’re an angler in the area, getting your Florida fishing license is really important.
Florida has a wide variety of freshwater and saltwater fish, so whether you prefer to go surf-fishing or bass fishing, you’ll find a killer spot to drop a line.
Also, when you get your fishing license, not only do you know you won’t get in trouble with the law, but it feels good knowing that the money spent on your license goes toward preserving the state’s natural resources.
So, if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with information, don’t worry about it.
We’ve got everything you need to know about getting your fishing license in Florida.
Going fishing in Florida? Then give a read to our Best Bass Fishing Lakes in Florida review.
Table of Contents
Who Needs a Fishing License in Florida
| FL Fishing License Requirements | ||
| Freshwater | Saltwater | Catch and Release |
| Required | Required | Required |
A license is required for anyone who wants to fish in public waterways, even if you are just catching and releasing.
A Florida saltwater fishing license is also required to attempt to take any native or non-native marine life, such as crabs, lobsters and plants.
What Age do You Need a Fishing License in Florida
| Florida FWC Fishing License | Resident | Non-Resident |
| Age Requirement | 16-64 Years | 16+ Years |
Residents
Florida residents under 16 years of age do not need a fishing license but must still abide by the fishing regulations such as gear type, bag, and size limits. They may be asked to show proof of age if requested.
Residents over the age of 64 do not need a fishing license, only a valid Florida driver’s license or ID card to prove their age and residency.
Non-residents
Non-residents aged 16 and older must have a Florida out-of-state fishing license and permits to participate in freshwater and saltwater fishing.
Children under 16 are exempt from needing a Florida non-resident fishing license.
Saltwater
In order to go saltwater fishing in Florida, you need a saltwater fishing license.
This license is required for any attempt to fish for saltwater fish, crabs, clams, marine plants, or other living things in the ocean.
National Saltwater Angler Registry,
The National Saltwater Angler Registry, is a list of recreational anglers. Today, NOAA Fisheries uses information collected through NSAR to distribute the recreational Fishing Effort Survey.
Although you may be a part of the National Saltwater Angler Registry, you still need a saltwater fishing license in order to go saltwater fishing in Florida.
Saltwater Shoreline Fishing Information
Florida residents who saltwater fish only from the land or a structure attached to land are eligible for the no-cost resident recreational saltwater shoreline fishing license.
However, this license does not cover anyone fishing from a boat or on an island that they got to by taking a boat.
Individuals who hold a recreational saltwater license, or any other license that includes recreational saltwater fishing privileges, do not need a shoreline fishing license.
Non-residents are not able to purchase this license and must purchase a 3-day, 7-day, or annual non-resident saltwater fishing license unless covered by a charter or pier license.
How to Buy a Florida Fishing License
The most cost-effective way to purchase a Florida fishing license is in person through a local county tax collector’s office. If you choose to buy your license elsewhere, license fees will be tacked on.
There are four different ways someone can purchase a Florida fishing license, over the phone, in person at a retailer or county tax collector’s office, through their hunting and fishing app, or on the FWC website.
Online
You can order your fishing license online at gooutdoorsflorida.com or download the FWC Mobile App to your phone and take care of all things fishing and hunting-related there.
Local Retailer
Licenses can be purchased in person at retailers like tackle shops or a Walmart or at a county tax collector’s office.
By Phone
You can also call the toll-free number, 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356), and order your license over the phone.
How Much is a Fishing License in Florida
Florida fishing license prices vary based on duration and whether or not you are a resident of the state. There are a lot of combination options and packages to pick from.
The most popular option for both residents and non-residents is the annual license that expires one year from the date of purchase.
Freshwater Fishing License Cost
| Freshwater Fishing License | |
| 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 (Includes Freshwater Fishing and Hunting licenses) | $80.50 |
| Annual Silver Sportsman’s 64+ License (Available for Florida residents 64 years of age or older. Includes Freshwater Fishing and Hunting licenses) | $13.50 |
| 5-Year Silver Sportsman’s 64+ License (Available for Florida residents 64 years of age or older. Includes Freshwater Fishing and Hunting licenses) | $61.50 |
| Annual Resident Gold Sportsman’s License (Includes Freshwater Fishing, Hunting, and Saltwater Fishing licenses) | $100.00 |
| Five-Year Resident Gold Sportsman’s License (Includes Freshwater Fishing, Hunting, and Saltwater Fishing licenses) | $494.00 |
| Annual Resident Military Gold Sportsman’s License (Includes Hunting, Saltwater Fishing, and Freshwater Fishing licenses; and Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Deer, Turkey, Florida Waterfowl, Snook, and Lobster permits) | $20.00 |
| Resident Youth Freshwater Fishing License (Optional for youth ages 8 to 15 and valid until 17th birthday.) | $17.00 |
| Resident Youth Gold Sportsman’s License (Optional for youth ages 8 to 15 and valid until 17th birthday.. available with completion of hunter education requirements) | $100.00 |
Saltwater Fishing License Cost
| Saltwater License | |
| 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 |
| Resident Annual Saltwater Shoreline License | No-Cost |
| Annual Resident Saltwater Fishing, Freshwater Fishing Combination | $32.50 |
| Annual Resident Saltwater Fishing, Freshwater Fishing, Hunting License Combination | $48.00 |
| 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 Saltwater Fishing License | $17.00 |
| Resident Youth Gold Sportsman’s License (Available with completion of hunter education requirements) | $100.00 |
| Annual State Reef Fish Angler Designation | Free |
| Annual Shore Based Shark Fishing Permit | Free |
| Annual Snook Permit | Free |
| Five-Year Snook Permit (Residents Only) | $50.00 |
| Annual Spiny Lobster Permit | $5.00 |
| Five-Year Spiny Lobster Permit (Residents only) | $25.00 |
| Tarpon Tags Annual tag (Only available at a tax collector’s office) | $51.50 |
| Annual Blue Crab Trap Registration | Free |
| Annual Stone Crab Registration | Free |
Lifetime License Cost
| Lifetime Licenses for Florida Residents | |
| Lifetime Gold Sportsman’s Licenses The Lifetime Gold Sportsman’s License includes Hunting, Freshwater Fishing and Saltwater Fishing licenses and includes the following permits: Deer, Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Turkey, Florida Waterfowl, Snook and Lobster. | |
| Age 4 or younger | $401.50 |
| Ages 5-12 | $701.50 |
| Ages 13 and older | $1,001.50 |
| Lifetime Saltwater Fishing Licenses Includes a Saltwater Fishing license and Snook and Lobster permits. | |
| Age 4 or younger | $126.50 |
| Ages 5-12 | $226.50 |
| Ages 13 and older | $301.50 |
| Lifetime Freshwater Fishing Licenses Includes a Freshwater Fishing license. | |
| Age 4 or younger | $126.50 |
| Ages 5-12 | $226.50 |
| Ages 13 and older | $301.50 |
Complimentary Licenses and Exemptions
Free fishing licenses are available for anglers meeting certain criteria:
- Those freshwater fishing on their homestead are exempt from needing a license, as is any minor child fishing on their parent’s homestead.
- Florida residents that are totally and permanently disabled can receive the Florida Resident Disabled Person’s Hunting and Fishing License.
- Florida residents who are members of the Armed Forces of the United States, and are home on leave for 30 days or less, can fish without a license upon submission of orders.
- Disabled veterans or active or reserve duty military service members can get a Military/Disabled Veteran Event License Exemption Permit.
Exemptions for needing a fishing license in Florida:
- Freshwater fishing during a free freshwater fishing day.
- Residents only can fish with live or natural bait, using poles or lines that don’t have a fishing-line-retrieval mechanism, for noncommercial purposes in their home county – excluding any fish management areas.
- Those fishing in a fish pond of 20 acres or less, located solely within private property.
Private Fish Pond License
If you own a pond of more than 20 acres located entirely within your property, you need to get a Private Fish Pond License from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission if you plan to fish on it.
This license would exempt persons fishing in your pond from the recreational freshwater fishing license requirement and costs $3 per acre.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a non-resident fishing license for Florida?
How much a non-resident fishing for Florida is dependent on the type and duration of the license being chosen.
Annual freshwater license for non-residents:
– Non-Resident Annual, $47
– Non-Resident 3-day, $17
– Non-resident 7-day, $30
Annual saltwater license for non-residents:
– Non-Resident Annual, $47
– Non-Resident 3-day, $17
– Non-resident 7-day, $30
Can you fish without a license in Florida?
You can fish in Florida without a license under certain circumstances:
– On private property, as long as the pond is under 20 acres
– On license-free fishing days
– Residents over 64 years old
– Residents under 16 years old
How do I get a visitor’s fishing license in Florida?
You can purchase a visitor’s license in Florida the following ways:
– In person at a license agent or tax collector’s office
– Online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com
– Through the Fish|Hunt FL App on Apple and Android devices
– By calling toll-free 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356)
What is the Florida fishing license number?
The Florida fishing number is 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356).
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to get a fishing license in Florida, you know there is no excuse not to get one.
Every dollar spent on licenses, lures, and tackle helps to protect its waterways while allowing everyone to enjoy the many benefits of the sunshine state.
Once you’ve purchased your Florida fishing license, download our Bass Lures Cheat Sheet to always know the right lure to throw when you’re on the water.