Find out everything you need to know about Florida recreational fishing licenses to stay compliant with the latest rules and regulations.
In Florida, most people are required to have a license to engage in fishing activities in the state. Even if you catch and release, you still need a license. There are several exceptions to this rule, however. The Florida fishing regulations specify that the following individuals don’t need a license.
There are also specific exemptions from license requirements for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
The following are exempt from a freshwater fishing license in Florida:
These saltwater anglers don’t need a saltwater fishing license:
Keep in mind that it can be confusing sometimes to know if you need a freshwater or saltwater license in areas where the waters commingle. In these cases, license requirements follow the species of fish, regardless of where they are caught.
For both freshwater and saltwater fishing in Florida, there are various types of licenses that may be right for you depending on the activities you plan to take part in.
Except for processing costs, all of the fees for licenses go to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to help sustain the state’s fish and wildlife resources. The costs, which can be found on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website, are as follows for 2021:
Residents
Non-residents
In addition to the prices listed on the website, the license vendor may also charge an issuance fee of fifty cents.
All license fees are non-refundable.
Ready to buy your license? You can purchase a license online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or through the Fish Hunt FL app. You can also get one in person at a licensed agent or tax collector’s office or by phone using 888-FISH-FLORIDA.
FL FISHING LAWS & REGULATIONS
Florida has its own set of fishing laws and regulations that need to be followed in order to protect their fish populations
FL FRESHWATER FISHING REGULATIONS FL SALTWATER FISHING REGULATIONSRESPONSIBLE FISHING STARTS WITH YOU
Learn how you can start protecting our aquatic natural resources.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CONSERVATION THE IMPORTANCE OF FISHING REGULATIONS CATCH AND RELEASE BEST PRACTICESFL FISHING RESOURCES/INFO
Additional resources and information can be found directly on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission site.
FRESHWATER LICENSES & PERMITS SALTWATER LICENSES & PERMITS BUY YOUR FLORIDA FISHING LICENSE ONLINE