The Sunshine State has many excellent opportunities to cast your fishing line and angle for your next big fish. And, whether you are considering salt or freshwater fishing from the surf, shore, a pier, or out on the water, you’ll need information on Florida fishing license rules and regulations to determine when you need a fishing license.
The State of Florida requires residents and non-residents who engage in fishing in Florida waters to possess a freshwater or saltwater license for this activity. There are exceptions to this statement detailed on the FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) website.
Seems pretty straightforward, right? However, because Florida has so many fishing opportunities throughout the state, the rules are actually quite nuanced. To better understand when you need fishing licensing in the sunshine state of Florida, keep reading.
When Do You Need a Fishing License in Florida?
When fishing in all Florida waters, both freshwater and salt, you’ll need to have a license in almost all cases. There are some exceptions, though. Let's have a look at general licensing information and get the scoop on fishing in Florida.
The agency that regulates fishing in Florida is the FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission), and they are an excellent resource for the rules and regulations for Florida fishing.
Here’s some basic information about fishing in Florida.
Who Needs a Fishing License to Fish in Florida?
According to the FWC, any Florida resident between the ages of 16 and 65 and any non-residents ages 16 and over must possess a Florida fishing license.
There are exemptions to the age requirements for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Let’s tackle each category separately.
Who is Exempt From Needing a Florida Fishing License?
There are exemptions to needing a Florida fishing license; the freshwater license exemptions differ from the saltwater exemptions.
Exemptions for a Freshwater Fishing License:
- Florida residents over the age of 65 with proof of Florida residency and age are exempt. Residents over 65 may also get, at no cost, a Resident Senior Citizen Hunting and Fishing Certificate from your county tax collector's office
- Anyone under the age of 16
- Any disabled Florida resident who has a Resident Persons with Disabilities Hunting and Fishing License in their possession
- Members of the armed services who are also Florida residents but not stationed in the state and are on leave for 30 days
- Any individual that is observing or filming and not involved in any related fishing activity
- Florida residents fishing in their county, on their homestead, or the homestead of their spouse or minor child, or if a minor child is fishing on their parent’s homestead.
Exemptions for a Saltwater Fishing License:
- If you are saltwater fishing on a charter boat, and the captain has a valid charter license
- When you are fishing from a pier, and you are covered by a pier license
- You are a Florida resident and a client for developmental disabilities services with the agency for Persons with Disabilities
- You are a Florida resident, fishing from land or a structure affixed to the land, and are receiving benefits from the Department of Children and Families
The age, disability, and military information listed under the freshwater exemptions are also valid for the saltwater exemptions.
If you are on a freshwater fishing charter, you still need a freshwater Florida fishing license. The captain’s charter license does not cover you.
Some fish species live in areas where there is a mix of both salt and freshwater. These estuarine environments are home to both fresh and saltwater fish. Here’s how Florida interprets this:
- If you are using species-specific fishing gear, your license should cover the type of fish you are targeting.
- If you catch a fish that is not covered by the type of license you have, you need to release it immediately.
- The license requirements follow the species of the fish, regardless of where you catch them.
Florida has a combination license available to purchase that covers both freshwater and saltwater species if you want to cover all your bases when you are fishing. This license can be helpful to have, especially if you frequently fish in estuaries, areas where there is an opportunity to catch both fresh and saltwater species.
Do you need a fishing license when fishing from the surf (beach fishing)?
If you are saltwater fishing from the shore, you’ll need to have a license to fish. If you have a recreational saltwater fishing license, you’re all set.
However, another option for Florida residents called the saltwater shoreline fishing license is available at no cost or with a minimal convenience fee. As a Florida resident, this license is an excellent choice if you only want to saltwater fish from the shore.
What is a Saltwater Shoreline Fishing license?
The saltwater shoreline fishing license covers Florida residents when they saltwater fish from the shore or any structure connected to the shore. This license does not cover non-residents. There are 3-day, 7-day, or annual saltwater fishing licenses for purchase, or a charter license will cover fishing on a charter boat if you are a guest.
Where can I fish with a Saltwater Shoreline license?
With the shoreline license, you can saltwater fish from the shore or any structure connected to the shore. However, there are a few things to consider. You can wade out into the water and fish as long as you can stand on the bottom, and if you arrive or leave your fishing location by boat, you’ll need to have a regular saltwater fishing license.
This license covers pier fishing if the owner, operator, or custodian of the pier is not covered by a saltwater fishing pier license (more on this later).
How do I get one?
The shoreline license is free and can be obtained at fishing stores, sporting goods stores, or your local tax collector's office. You can also get your shoreline fishing license online for a $2.25 convenience fee. And there are vendors that charge $4.25 for an over-the-phone purchase 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356).
Do I Need a Fishing License When Fishing From a Pier?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors. Owners, operators, or custodians of piers can purchase an annual saltwater pier fishing license that covers everyone fishing from the dock.
Frequently, saltwater piers in Florida provide a kiosk where you can just show up, rent a rig, and buy bait for a fee. The fee usually covers the use of the pier's commercial pier fishing license, so you won’t need a separate license.
If the pier is tucked out of the way and does not provide these services, you’ll need to have a shoreline fishing license, a saltwater fishing license, or a 3-day or 7-day license as a non-resident.
Do You Need a Fishing License on a Charter Boat?
For saltwater fishing, no, you don’t. For freshwater fishing, yes, you do.
If you plan a fishing trip out on the ocean with a charter boat company that has a captain, the FWC requires the charter to have a recreational vessel license. The captain’s license covers everyone saltwater fishing on the boat. Always confirm that the charter boat license covers you.
If you charter a freshwater fishing trip, you’ll need to make sure you have your freshwater fishing license. The freshwater charter license does not cover you.
Do You Need a Fishing License if You Are Catch and Release Fishing?
Yes, you need a fishing license if you are only “catch and release” fishing. Florida rules state that if you attempt to take fish, a fishing license is required.
License-free fishing days in Florida
Florida offers license-free fishing days for individuals who don’t have a license to experience both freshwater and saltwater fishing. This is an excellent opportunity to introduce family and friends to the sport. Both residents and non-residents are invited to cast a line in any body of water and try to reel in the fish of their dreams.
The FWC announces the actual dates closer to when they will occur; they happen on the same days every year.
The days to freshwater fish license-free are:
- The first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in April
- The second consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June
The days to saltwater fish license-free are:
- The first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June
- The first Saturday in September
- Saturday following Thanksgiving
In total, there are 8 days throughout the year for anyone who doesn’t have a fishing license and would like to get out there and see why so many anglers love fishing Florida.
Can You Fish Without a license?
You can fish without a license in Florida if you are a resident of Florida, if you are under 16 years old or over 65, and can show documentation of your residency. Or you can fish without a license in Florida on the designated freshwater and saltwater license-free days (listed above).
For the rest of you who want to fish in the Sunshine State, you’ll need to brush up on the rules so you can comply with state licensing rules.
Where Do I Get a Florida Fishing License?
The state of Florida has made purchasing or obtaining fishing licenses convenient. Not only does Florida have an excellent state website, and there are other options where you can easily get your license and begin to fish as soon as you can get to your favorite fishing hole.
The FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) website is your online source for general licensing information and the link to where you can purchase your fishing license. The agency also provides other valuable information, such as:
- Updated Saltwater and Freshwater fishing rules and regulations.
- A fish identification key.
- Real-Time Red Tide Alerts.
The FWC website is chock full of other valuable information and has a very informative FAQ section.
There are locations where you can walk in and buy your fishing license in person. Just remember to bring the pertinent documents and information along with you. You can apply and get a fishing license at these places:
- Your local tax collection office, keep in mind these offices are open M-F during the day and observe national holidays. This is the least expensive place to get your license.
- Some Bait and Tackle Shops and many retail stores are licensed agents. You’ll pay a bit more, but the convenience may be worth it. Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Bass Pro Shops are a few options where you can stop by and buy one.
We’d like to leave you with one more helpful tip. The FWC has an app available for both iOS and Android devices. Using the Fish | Hunt FL App, you can apply for fishing and hunting licenses, check the weather from your location, and find a copy of your license.
Tight Lines and High Tides, y'all!