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When you buy a fishing license in Florida, the money you pay goes towards supporting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). This helps to protect and maintain Florida's fish and wildlife resources. By getting a license, you are also helping the FWC receive additional funds from the Federal government, which come from taxes on fishing equipment and fuel.
Getting a fishing license is not just a requirement, but it's also a way to contribute to wildlife conservation and habitat restoration in Florida. By doing so, you're ensuring that there are more opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing and hunting, with healthy fish populations and improved hunting experiences.
Florida is known as one of the best fishing destinations globally, with countless options in both freshwater and saltwater locations. To enjoy all the fishing opportunities that Florida has to offer, all you need is a valid fishing license. There are different ways to purchase a license. The easiest and most convenient method for many people is to do it online through the FWC website or their app. Alternatively, you can also buy a license in person at various retail stores across the state. To obtain a fishing license or permit, you will need to provide your driver's license and social security number.
How to Get Florida Fishing License ?
Online :- Fishing licenses in Florida come at different prices, starting from around $3.00 for a fishing license that allows you to fish in private ponds. On the other end, there's a special type of license called the Resident Lifetime Gold Sportsman's license, which costs just over $1,000.00.
To get Online Fishing/Hunting license in Florida either you are resident or non-resident you can visit official website Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or through the app FishHuntFL.
In-Person :- Most common places to get your Florida fishing licenses and permits in person is Walmart Supercenter or Bass Pro Shops.
One more method of getting Florida Fishing License are Florida tax Collector Office .
Florida Resident Freshwater Fishing License and Fees Online/Offline
| Florida Resident Freshwater Fishing License | Age and General Info | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Annual Freshwater Fishing License | ----- | $17.00 Get Now |
| Resident 5-year Freshwater Fishing License | ----- | $79.00 Get Now |
| Resident Youth Freshwater Fishing License | Age 8 to 15 (Valid Until 17th birthday) | $17.00 Get Now |
| Resident Annual Sportsman's License | Only Freshwater | $80.50 Get Now |
| Resident Annual Silver Sportsman's License | Age 64 and above (Only Freshwater) | $13.50 Get Now |
| Resident Annual 5-Year Silver Sportsman's License | Age 64 and above (Only Freshwater) | $61.50 Get Now |
| Resident Annual Gold Sportsman's License | It includes all Hunting, Wildlife Management Area, Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing license | $100.00 Get Now |
| Resident Youth Gold Sportsman's License | Age 8 to 15 (Valid Until 17th birthday) | $79.00 Get Now |
| Resident 5-Years Gold Sportsman's License | Only Freshwater Fishing/Hunting License | $494.00 Get Now |
| Resident Military Gold Sportsman's License | It Includes Hunting, Saltwater and Freshwater Fishing licenses and Wildlife Management Area | $20.00 Get Now |
| Resident Private Pond Fishing License | If you own a fish pond of more than 20 acres which is located entirely within your property, you may obtain a Private Fish Pond License from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to exempt persons fishing in your pond from the recreational freshwater fishing license requirement | $3.00 Per acre |
Florida Resident Saltwater Fishing License and Fees Online/Offline
| Florida Resident Saltwater Fishing License | Age and General Info | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Annual Saltwater Fishing License | ----- | $17.00 Get Now |
| Resident 5-year Saltwater Fishing License | ----- | $79.00 Get Now |
| Resident Youth Gold Sportsman's License | Age 8 to 15 (Valid until 17th Birthday) | $100.00 Get Now |
| Resident Youth Saltwater Fishing License | Age 8 to 15 (Valid until 17th Birthday) | $17.00 Get Now |
| Resident Saltwater Shoreline Fishing License | This rule does not apply if you are swimming or diving while trying to catch fish | Free Get Now |
Florida Resident Combo Fishing License and Fees Online/Offline
| Florida Resident Combo Fishing License | Cost |
|---|---|
| Resident Annual Combo Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing License | $32.50 Get Now |
| Resident Hunting and Freshwater Fishing License | $32.50 Get Now |
| Resident Annual Combo Freshwater, Saltwater and Hunting License | $48.00 Get Now |
Florida Resident Lifetime Fishing License and Fees Online/Offline
- To get lifetime fishing license for a child under 13 years old, you need to provide certain documents which includes certified copy of child's birth certificate , copy of parents driving license whose name is on the birth certificate and their Social Security Number.
- For children between 13 and 18 years old, they can use a student ID card from a Florida school and their parent's proof of residency. The child must be accompanied by the parent when purchasing the license.
Note (for lifetime Gold Sportsman's license ) -> When you make the purchase, you will receive licenses for hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing. Additionally, you will receive permits for deer hunting, wildlife management areas, archery, muzzleloading guns, crossbows, turkey hunting, Florida waterfowl hunting, as well as permits for catching snook and lobster. As part of your purchase, you will also receive a durable card for proof of your licenses and permits.
| Florida Resident Lifetime Fishing License | Age | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Lifetime Freshwater License | Age 4 and below | $126.50 Get Now |
| Resident Lifetime Freshwater Fishing License | Age 5 to 12 | $226.50 Get Now |
| Resident Lifetime Freshwater Fishing License | Age 13 and above | $301.50 Get Now |
| Resident Lifetime Saltwater License | Age 4 and below | $126.50 Get Now |
| Resident Lifetime Saltwater Fishing License | Age 5 to 12 | $226.50 Get Now |
| Resident Lifetime Saltwater Fishing License | Age 13 and above | $301.50 Get Now |
| Resident Lifetime Gold Sportsman's License | Age 4 and below | $401.50 Get Now |
| Resident Lifetime Gold Sportsman's License | Age 5 to 12 | $701.50 Get Now |
| Resident Lifetime Gold Sportsman's License | Age 13 and above | $1,001.50 Get Now |
Florida Non-resident Freshwater Fishing license and Fees Online/Offline
| Florida Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing License | Cost |
|---|---|
| Non-Resident Annual Freshwater Fishing License | $47.00 Get Now |
| Non-Resident 3-Day Freshwater Fishing License | $17.00 Get Now |
| Non-Resident 7-Day Freshwater Fishing License | $30.00 Get Now |
Florida Non-resident Saltwater Fishing license and Fees Online/Offline
| Florida Non-Resident Saltwater Fishing License | Cost |
|---|---|
| Non-Resident Annual Saltwater Fishing License | $47.00 Get Now |
| Non-Resident 3-Day Saltwater Fishing License | $17.00 Get Now |
| Non-Resident 7-Day Saltwater Fishing License | $30.00 Get Now |
Rules and Regulation of Florida Fishing License
Exemptions from Fishing License Requirements in Florida
- Children under 16 years old are not required to have a fishing license.
- Florida residents aged 65 or older do not need a fishing license and can get complimentary certificates from tax collectors' offices.
- Fishing on your own property or on the property of your spouse or minor child exempts you from needing a fishing license.
- If you are certified as totally and permanently disabled, you do not need a fishing license.
- Military personnel who are Florida residents and on leave for 30 days or less are exempt from fishing license requirements.
- If you are only observing or filming someone else fishing and not actively fishing yourself, you do not need a fishing license.
If you have following points then you do not need Freshwater Fishing license -----------
- Individuals accepted for developmental disabilities services by the Department of Children and Family Services do not need a fishing license.
- Florida residents fishing with live or natural bait for noncommercial purposes in their home county are exempt from a fishing license.
- Fishing in a private fish pond of 20 acres or less on private property does not require a fishing license.
- Fishing in a licensed fish pond of 20 acres or more, where the owner has paid a fee, does not require a fishing license.
- Possession of a Resident Freshwater Commercial License exempts the need for an additional freshwater fishing license.
- Fishing in the St. Mary's River or Lake Seminole in Florida does not require a fishing license (excluding tributary creeks in Florida). However, a valid Georgia fishing license is required for fishing Lake Seminole on the Georgia side.
- During Free Fishing Weekend in April and June, a freshwater fishing license is not required.
Who's Not Required to Have a Saltwater Fishing License?
Visit Other states Fishing license fee
FAQs
What is Hard Card in Florida ?
A Hard Card is a type of license that looks like a credit card. It can be bought along with your regular fishing license or permits which costs around $5 and is sent to you separately and also can hold up to 7 different licenses or permits.
Do I need a fishing license in Florida?
Yes, most anglers in Florida require a fishing license to fish legally.
How much does a Florida fishing license cost?
The cost of a Florida fishing license varies depending on factors such as residency, duration, and type of license. Prices range from $17 for a 3-day non-resident license to $1,001.50 for a lifetime gold sportsman's license.
Are there any exemptions from the fishing license requirement?
Yes, certain individuals are exempt from needing a fishing license in Florida. This includes children under 16 years of age, Florida residents aged 65 or older with proof of age and residency, and individuals fishing on free fishing days.
Where can I purchase a Florida fishing license?
Florida fishing licenses can be purchased online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website or their official app, FishHuntFL. They are also available for purchase in person at various retail stores throughout the state.
What documents do I need to purchase a fishing license?
To purchase a fishing license, you typically need a valid driver's license or identification card and your social security number. Additional documentation may be required for specific exemptions or age groups.
Can I fish in both freshwater and saltwater with a single license?
No, separate licenses are required for freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing in Florida. Make sure to choose the appropriate license based on your fishing location.
How long is a Florida fishing license valid?
The validity of a Florida fishing license varies depending on the type of license purchased. Options include 3-day, 7-day, annual, and lifetime licenses.
Are there any additional permits or endorsements required for certain species or activities?
Yes, depending on the species you plan to fish or the activities you wish to engage in, additional permits or endorsements may be required. Examples include snook permits, lobster permits, and specific endorsements for hunting or freshwater fishing.
Can I use my fishing license in other states?
Fishing licenses are specific to each state, and they are not universally accepted across state lines. However, some states with shared water bodies may honor each other's licenses. For example, a saltwater fishing license from Virginia is valid in Maryland. It's important to check the regulations of each state before fishing to ensure you have the right license.