Do You Need Fishing License in Florida?

Do you need fishing license in Florida? As a permanent resident or visitor, you may ask this question. Yes, you need a fishing license in Florida. Florida is an amazing place where you will get multiple fishing lodges, private ponds and charters to enjoy your fishing trip. So, it would be great to have a permanent license.

The regulations of Florida fishing licenses for child and elderly residents are different. Even the cost is also different based on the user’s age. So, it would be nice to know details about this.

In this guide, I will cover everything about Florida’s fishing license. So, let’s get started right now!

Who needs a Florida fishing license?

Every non-resident aged more than 16 and every resident aged 16 to 65 needs a fishing license in Florida. If you are under 16 age and over 65 ages then you don’t require to have a license. In this case, you should have proof of your real age and residency. Many often asked like this do seniors need a fishing license in Florida? It depends on the accurate age of the seniors.

The charter captain of resident, non-resident and public piers generally has a boat license that covers all anglers. On the other hand, the pier operator has a blanket license. But when a pier operator isn’t physically present then the anglers must need personal license. However, you can catch minnow-like small fish from your own county without a license.

Do you need a Florida fishing license in saltwater from shore?

Yes, you need a free fishing license Florida in for saltwater fishing from shore. Although the license is free, this permit must be carried with you as proof while fishing. Remember that the free license also allows fishing from piers, bridges and jetties. But no one can fish from a boat with the free shore license. The residential children under 16 and over 65 don’t require a license in shore fishing but they have their age proof.

What does a saltwater Florida fishing license cover?

Florida saltwater fishing license cover to catch all kinds of crabs, clams, scallops, marine plants or other saltwater organisms. You must have a license if your home is near a saltwater fishing location in Florida. That means you need to have a license for anything you catch in saltwater in Florida.

Is it possible to fish without a license in Florida?

It is possible to fish without a license in Florida if you are in a covering of a saltwater fishing charter or a license.

  • Severe disabled Florida residents of all ages can go on fish and hunt trips with a license free of cost
  • The Military personnel can catch fish free of cost for one month when they stay at home
  • The resident with benefits and food stamps can fish in Florida without a license.
  • Florida residents can get a free license to catch fish from saltwater shore

You can check out the top fishing charters in Florida to book your fishing trip from here.

Why do I need permits despite having a Florida fishing license?

You need to take special permits to catch certain species of fish in Florida despite having a license. The snook, spiny lobster and Tarpon are the three certain fish for which you need special permits. For example, you need to expense about $10 to get an annual snook fishing permit. However, you can purchase the snook permits for five years for $50. On the other hand, the annual permit cost for spiny lobster is $5 and the five years of spiny lobster permit fee is $25. Also, note that the Tarpon permit cost is on average $51.50.

How much is a fishing license in Florida?

The Florida license cost varies depending on the permanent resident and the outsider visitors. For example, visitors can purchase a license for 3, 5 or 7 days. On the other hand, the permanent resident can purchase a yearly license. Also, know that only permanent residents can get a combo license for saltwater and freshwater fishing. Here is the basic license cost for Florida

License TypeResident CostNon-resident Cost
Freshwater fishing for 3-DayFree$17
Freshwater for 7-dayFree$30
Annual Freshwater$17$47
Freshwater fishing for 5-years$79No permit
Saltwater fishing for 3-dayFree$17
Saltwater fishing for 7-dayFree$30
Annual Saltwater fishing$17$47
Saltwater fishing for 5-years$79No permit
Annual Freshwater/Saltwater Combo$32.50No permit

What are the License-Free Fishing Days in Florida?

Luckily, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission allow permanent resident 8 days of free fishing without a license.

Saltwater

  • June 3 & 4, 2023
  • Sept. 2, 2023
  • Nov. 25, 2023

Freshwater

  • April 1 & 2, 2023
  • June 10 & 11, 2023

Where to purchase a Florida fishing license?

How to get a fishing license in Florida? you can purchase a Florida fishing license online. The official website of gooutdoorsflorida are providing licenses online. Besides, you can purchase from 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356) via phone. In this case, the customer supporter will give you a license number and send the soft copy to you via Mail.

FAQs:

  1. Is my license valid outside of Florida?

Yes, your Florida license is valid some certain areas outside Florida including sections of the St Mary’s River and Lake Seminole. But your Florida license doesn’t cover anywhere in Alabama.

2) I’m a Florida resident on Social Security Disability. Do I need a license to fish?

Do you know who is exempt from a Florida fishing license? The disabled person. So, yes you need a free-of-cost license. There has a free license for the disabled person. So, you can go hunting or fishing with your free license. Even you can catch all freshwater and saltwater fish including lobster and snook with that free license. As per the types of your disability, you can apply for 2 year or 5 years free license.

How to Buy a Fishing License in Florida | FishingBooker

Final Words:

We hope you understand that Do you need a fishing license in Florida? Yes, you need a fishing license in Florida. If you are under 16 or over 65 then you don’t need a license. Besides, the disabled and permanent resident of Florida doesn’t require a license.

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