| Tight Lines and High Tides

Whether you are a resident of Florida or you are planning a trip to the Sunshine State, and you want to get out there and reel in the fish of your dreams, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got the right Florida fishing license for the type of fish you plan on catching. So, how do you go about getting one?

The FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) is the agency that regulates fishing and hunting in Florida. The FWC has an online portal where you can purchase a license, and the site also provides information about other ways to obtain a Florida fishing license.

Let’s investigate who needs a license fishing in Florida and how you go about getting yours. Keep reading for detailed information about obtaining one easily and quickly.

How to Purchase a Florida Fishing License

The FWC makes it very easy to purchase a fishing license either online through their website, with the downloadable app, or in person in many convenient Florida places. There is also a toll-free number, 888-FISH-FLORIDA, for those without access to a computer, smartphone, or a walk-in location.

We’ll explore each of these options and explain the process and look at the advantages of each option so that you can decide which is the best way for you to purchase your fishing license.

Using the FWC Online Portal

To purchase your fishing license(s) online through the FWC, visit GoOutdoorsFlorida and create an account. After providing basic personal information and a payment method, an account is generated, and you’ll be able to buy your fishing license.

There are many benefits to using the FWC portal:

Not only can you purchase your license here, but you can view and print additional copies of your license if you misplace or lose yours.
An Auto-Renewal feature automatically renews your license(s) when they expire to ensure your documentation is always up-to-date.
The process is easy, secure, and immediate. However, you will need a printer to print out your license.
Once you open an account, you’ll always be able to use it, making future purchases and renewals super simple.

The only disadvantage you may have with purchasing through the GoOutdoorsFlorida.com site is that you’ll need access to a printer to print out your license, or a plastic-coated license can be sent through the mail if you can wait.

The Florida Fish | Hunt Application for Smart Phones

The FWC’s new app makes it easy to purchase, renew and store your fishing license(s). As long as you have your phone with you (and it’s got a charge), you’ll always have your information right at your fingertips.

The app is available for Android and iOS phones and is an easy and convenient way to have immediate access to your license(s).
Besides having instant access to fishing rules and regulations, the app has a variety of other helpful offerings, from weather conditions to sunrise and sunset times.

Problems you might experience using this app are that you may not have access to your information if your phone runs out of power or in a remote location where you cannot get a signal.

Additional information that’s good to know– phone and online purchases incur additional fees.

Walk-in Places to Get Your Florida Fishing License

If you want the convenience of walking in and purchasing your fishing license in Florida, there are many options- from your local tax collector’s office to other state-licensed agents.

Let’s have a look at where you can walk in and purchase a fishing license:

Florida Tax Collector’s Offices– Purchase your license at your local tax collector’s office conveniently and with no additional charges. The only disadvantage to buying your license here is that they are not open on weekends and in the evenings like most state or county offices.
State-Licensed Agents- Florida has a long list of registered retailers from Walmart to your local tackle shop. Besides the advantage of walking in, you can purchase whenever the store is open, weekends and evenings included. Other retailers that sell fishing licenses are Bass Pro Shops, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Outdoor World, and Academy Sports, just to name a few.

If you choose Walmart to purchase your license, make sure they have a fishing and hunting department and that it’s staffed when you plan on visiting. And be aware- there are additional (minimal) fees added for convenience in retail shops.

How Much Do Florida Fishing Licenses Cost?

All the monies collected through your Florida license purchase except for the processing fees go directly to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and help with conservation efforts that support and promote a thriving environment for local wildlife.

2021 License Fees for Florida Residents:

Annual Freshwater Fishing License: $17.00 (5-years $79.00)
Annual Saltwater Fishing License: $17.00 (5-year $79.00)
Annual Freshwater/Saltwater Fishing Combination License: $32.50
Annual Freshwater Fishing/Hunting Combination License: $32.50
Annual Freshwater/Saltwater Fishing/Hunting Combination License: $48.00
Annual Sportsman’s License: $80.50
Optional Youth License: $17.00
Lifetime License: The cost depends on the age you are at the time you purchase it

2021 License Fees for Non-Residents

Annual Freshwater Fishing License: $47.00
3-day Freshwater Fishing License: $17.00
7-day Freshwater Fishing License: $30.00
Annual Saltwater Fishing License: $47.00
3-day Saltwater Fishing License: $17.00
7-day Saltwater Fishing License: $30.00

Visit here if you need additional information about fees, licensing, and fishing in the Sunshine State.

What Information Do You Need to Get Your License?

So, we’ve covered where you can purchase your Florida fishing license. Let’s have a look at what information you need to present to get one.

On the official FWC website, you can use a valid state-issued driver’s license or a state-issued ID, or you can enter the last four digits of your social security number. There is an option to add other forms of ID.
If you are a military member living in Florida, you can qualify for a resident license by showing your military orders showing you're stationed in Florida.
In-person purchases require proof of identification, a valid driver’s license, or a state-issued ID. If you are from outside the states, they accept other forms of IDs once validated.
You can also prove your Florida residency with a voter registration card, homestead exemption, or a declaration of domicile from your county clerk. If you are under 18, a student ID or proof of a parent’s residency will work.

Before applying for a license, it only makes practical sense to research and confirm what documentation you’ll need to be prepared.

What Kind of License Should You Get?

The fishing license you should purchase depends on the type of fishing you’ll be doing. There are situations where it isn’t always clear which license you need. One thing is for certain; you’ll need either license or proof of Florida residency and age to cast a line in Florida waters.

A Florida freshwater fishing license is required for any river or lake fishing activities. And a Florida saltwater fishing license is required to fish in saltwater, including both state and federal waters. A saltwater fishing license is required to take any marine organism, native or non-native. This includes aquatic plants, crabbing, and lobstering.

There are several options to choose from once you’ve decided which you may need. Let’s examine each.

Residents License- Upon proof of residency, Florida offers annual or long-term licenses.
Non Residents License- This license is for everyone else. You can purchase a 3-day, 5-day, or yearly license.
Combination License- Florida residents have the option of purchasing a freshwater and saltwater combination license. With this license, you can ensure you are fishing legally no matter where or what fish you are targeting.
Youth License- Florida offers optional youth fishing licenses starting at age eight, and the license is valid until they turn 17.
Lifetime License- If fishing is a way of life for you or a loved one, investing in a lifetime license is a great idea. They are available only to Florida residents, but they are valid even if you move out of state. Purchasing one before the recipient turns 13 saves a bundle of money on a lifetime of outdoor enjoyment.
Shoreline Saltwater License- A free license for Florida residents who want to fish from the land or any structure attached to the land. It’s important to note that you must be in possession of a Shoreline License even though there’s no charge for the permit. Non-residents must purchase a non-resident saltwater license.
Saltwater Pier License- If you are fishing from a pier, you’ll need a Saltwater Pier License. Generally, piers in Florida have a commercial pier license where they charge a small fee, and their license covers you.

This covers what types of licenses Florida offers; however, a few species require an add-on permit. We’ll cover this next.

What Are the Add-ons?

An add-on is an additional permit that is required when you plan to target certain Florida saltwater species. The extra fees help to improve the fisheries. These three species, spiny lobster, snook, and tarpon, require purchasing an additional tag.

Spiny Lobster- a permit to target spiny lobster is $5 a year or $25 for five years.
Tarpon– You can catch and must release tarpon unless you purchase an add-on permit for $51.50 per year. With a tag, you can keep one tarpon a year in pursuit of an IGFA record.
Snook- A permit is needed to keep one snook a day when the season is open. The cost of this add-on is $10 for a year or $50 for five years.

If you plan on catching blue crab, stone crab, or are shore-fishing for sharks; you’ll need an add-on permit that is available at no cost. The shore-based shark permit has a short educational video as part of the licensing.

You can also sign-up for free permits for when you target several species of reef fish. Red snapper, gray triggerfish, grouper, and hogfish are among the fish that need a permit to catch.

Who Needs a License and When?

We’ve covered a lot of territory here. Let’s wrap this up by reviewing who needs a fishing license and when.

All Florida residents between the ages of 16 and 65 attempting to catch fish need a resident license to fish. Seniors and youth can fish without one, but they should have proof of age and residency in their possession while fishing and abide by fishing regulations.
All non-residents over 16 taking part in any fishing activity need to purchase a non-resident fishing license. The only exemptions for non-residents are military members who can prove they are stationed in Florida or if you are fishing on a properly licensed saltwater charter boat.

There are other exceptions for Florida residents:

Residents who possess a Florida Resident Disabled Person’s Hunting and Fishing License or Florida Residents who are a “client for developmental disabilities services” are exempt.
If you are fishing on a licensed saltwater charter boat, this does not include freshwater charters.
Florida residents who receive aid in the form of food stamps, Medicare, or temporary cash assistance can saltwater fish for free from the shore with “proof of identification and a benefit issuance or program identification card issued by DCFS or the Agency for Health Care Administration.”

Other circumstances listed on the FWC address more nuanced situations where a fishing license isn't required.

The Sunshine State makes it easy and convenient for you to get a fishing license, and purchasing one is an excellent way to help with conservation efforts that are a long-term investment in the future of Florida.

Tight lines and high tides, y'all!

How To Get a Florida Fishing License