...

Fishing License In Florida Non Resident and Resident

All license fees are used to support the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or maybe also none as Florida DNR fishing licese to help sustain Florida’s fish and wildlife resources. Every license holder is also assisting the Florida wildlife conservation commission to recover excise taxes from the Federal government from related items such as fishing tackle and fuel.

Purchasing a Florida fishing license is not only the law but is a great way to help our wildlife management area and contribute to habitat restoration. In return, that means more and better outdoor activities for us to catch healthy fish and have quality hunting experiences.

Florida is considered one of the top fishing destinations in the world, offering endless opportunities between all its freshwater and saltwater spots. Obtaining a valid fishing license is the only step needed to enjoy all the fishing Florida offers.

There are many options to purchase licenses. The most convenient way for most people is online, whether on the FWC website or through their app. Another option is in person at many different retail stores located throughout the state. To get a fishing license or permit, you need your driver’s license and social security number.

Where To Get Florida Fishing License

Online

Anglers can buy a fishing license in Florida Non Resident for either fishing and hunting licenses and permits online at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website or through the app FishHuntFL.

You can click on the picture of the 5-year fishing license above, go to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and get your fishing license in Florida Non Resident and resident license online for whatever date you will be fishing. (Note: The paper license is not needed, bring a printout or take a picture of the approval number from the website, which is all required.)

Phone

You can call the toll FREE number any time, even the morning you go fishing to get your license. 1-888-347-4356 or 1-888-FISH-FLO

In-Person

Florida Fishing and hunting licenses and permits are available at many retail locations throughout the state. Local retail locations include bait and tackle shops, sporting goods stores, gun shops, and department stores. This method does keep you from paying an online or phone convenience fee with the other two options. The most common places to get your fishing licenses and permits in person are Walmart Supercenter or Bass Pro Shops

Who Needs To Get Florida Fishing Licenses

Residents between 16 and 65 and all non-residents over the age of 16 (who aren’t exempt) must have a Florida fishing license 2023. Even those only practicing catch and release still need a fishing license.

  • This requirement applies even on freshwater fishing charters with a captain.
  • Individuals of age (who aren’t exempt) need a saltwater fishing license to catch saltwater fish privately in Florida, whether from the ocean, lagoons, or bays. 
  • Saltwater anglers onboard a saltwater fishing charter with a licensed captain does not need a saltwater fishing license since it is covered under the captain’s license.
  • Florida residents can get an accessible shoreline fishing license, which allows them to fish for saltwater species from land.

Florida doesn’t offer discounted licenses for non-residents. All non-residents over 16 need a standard non-resident license. This rule includes non-resident seniors, active and former military personnel, and those with disabilities.

Freshwater Fishing License Exemptions

Anglers who fall under these conditions do not need a fishing license in Florida.

  • You are a child under 16 years of age. (Also exempt from federal duck stamp requirements.)
  • You are a Florida resident age 65 or older possessing proof of age and residency or possessing a Resident Senior Citizen Hunting and Fishing Certificate. Residents age 65 or older may obtain, at no cost, complimentary hunting and fishing certificates from county tax collectors’ offices.
  • You hunt or freshwater fish in your county of residence on your homestead or the homestead of your spouse or minor child, or if you are a minor child hunting or freshwater fishing on the homestead of your parent.
  • You are a Florida resident certified as totally and permanently disabled and possess a Florida Resident Disabled Person Hunting and Fishing Certificate.
  • United States military personnel who are Florida residents, not stationed in this state, and are home on leave for 30 days or less. (upon submission of orders).
  • You are observing or filming someone else fishing and not assisting in the take.

These exemptions do not apply to the federal duck stamp. You do not need a freshwater fishing license if:

  • You have been accepted as a client for developmental disabilities services by the Department of Children and Family Services. The department must furnish proof to such clients.
  • You are a resident fishing with live or natural bait, using poles or lines not equipped with a fishing-line-retrieval mechanism and fishing for noncommercial purposes in your home county. However, you must have a valid fishing license to fish by any method in a fish management area.
  • You are fishing in a fish pond of 20 acres or less, which is located entirely within the private property of its owner. A fish pond is a man-made pond constructed for the primary purpose of fishing, entirely within the owner’s property lines and with no surface water connection to public waters.
  • You are fishing in a fish pond of 20 acres or more, whose owner has purchased a fish pond license at a fee of $3 per surface acre.
  • You possess a Resident Freshwater Commercial License.
  • You are fishing in the St. Mary’s River or Lake Seminole in Florida (not including tributary creeks in Florida), and if fishing Lake Seminole on the Ga side, have a valid Georgia fishing license.
  • You are freshwater fishing during Free Fishing Weekend (the first weekend of April and the second weekend in June).

Exceptions for saltwater fishing licenses

  • You are a Florida resident and a client of developmental disabilities services with the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
  • You are fishing on a saltwater fishing charter with a captain with a valid charter license.
  • You are fishing on the free saltwater fishing day (the first weekend in June, the first Saturday in September, and Saturday after Thanksgiving)
  • You are fishing from a Florida pier with a valid saltwater pier license
  • You are a resident fishing for mullet in freshwater who has a valid resident freshwater fishing license
  • You are resident fishing from land or a structure fixed to land and are eligible for temporary cash assistance, food stamps, or Medicaid by the Department of Children and Families
Florida freshwater fishing licenses- wildlife management area

Fishing License in Florida Non Resident & Resident Costs

Getting a license covering annual saltwater license, Florida beach fishing license, hunting and fishing license and freshwater species is recommended because they often overlap in Florida’s waters. For example, many saltwater species like tarpon and snook find their way into freshwater canals. However, if you are not covered for a specific species you catch, throw it back immediately. These species can also be added or taken off each time you go through the Florida fishing license renewal process. Do understand there are special fishing license fees for specific species.

When you Renew Florida Fishing License, the process and pricing stay the same.  although if all goes well the renewal will end up being easier.

 

Florida Residents

Annual Freshwater $17

5-Year Freshwater $79

Annual saltwater $17

5-Year Saltwater $79

Annual Freshwater/Saltwater Combo $32.50

Florida Residents

Annual Freshwater $17

5-Year Freshwater $79

Annual saltwater $17

5-Year Saltwater $79

Annual Freshwater/Saltwater Combo $32.50

Non Residents

3-Day Freshwater $17

7-Day Freshwater $30

Annual Freshwater $47

3-Day Saltwater $17

7-Day Saltwater $30

Annual saltwater $47

Additional Permits

Most Florida fish are covered under a regular freshwater or saltwater license as long as they are legal to target. Snook, Tarpon, and Spiny Lobster are the only three exceptions to this that require the purchase of an additional permit or tag in Florida to keep them; otherwise, anglers must practice catch and release.

  • Tarpon is catch and release only unless you purchase a Tarpon tag, which allows one per year for anglers pursuing an IGFA record. Price: $51.50 per year.
  • A Snook permit is needed to keep one per day during the open season. Price: $10 per year or $50 for five years (residents only).
  • Anglers planning to take Spiny Lobster need a permit. Price: $5 per year or $25 for five years (residents only).
  • Additionally, you can find information on Pennsylvania Fishing License, Texas Fishing License, Alabama fishing license, Georgia Fishing License, or Wildlife heritage license.
  • Each state does have some personal requirements, Alabama driver’s license is required for residents, and the cost may vary on Ga fishing license cost.
freshwater license requirements