You should be familiar with Florida’s laws and regulations regarding fishing licenses. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), issues fishing licenses. These licenses are required for all freshwater and saltedwater recreational fishing. This guide will provide information about Florida fishing licenses, including where to purchase them, how to renew them, as well as the types.
Directory Structure
- Types of Florida Fishing Licenses
- Florida Fishing Licenses: Where to Buy
- Florida Fishing License Fees
- How to renew a Florida fishing license
- Frequently Asked Questions
Types of Florida Fishing Licenses
FWC offers a variety of fishing permits and licenses that allow you to target different types of fish in freshwater and saltwater. The type of license that you need will depend on your age, residency status, the type of fish you want to target, as well as the body of water. Below are the types of Florida fishing licenses.
Licenses for Freshwater Fishing
- Annual Fishing License: Anglers can target sport fish in any Florida public freshwater body with an annual freshwater fishing licence.
- Five-Year Freshwater Fishing License: Anglers can target sport fish in any Florida public freshwater body with a valid five-year license.
- Lifetime fishing: Anglers can target sport fish in any Florida public freshwater body with a lifetime freshwater fishing licence.
There are licenses available for youth anglers as well as anglers 65 years old and older. There are also specialty licenses and permits for species such as trout, freshwater bass, largemouth bass, and alligator. Visit MyFWC.com to see a complete list of permits and licenses.
Saltwater Fishing Licenses
- Annual Saltwater Fishing: Anglers can target sport fish in public saltwater bodies within the State with an annual saltwater fishing licence.
- Five-Year Saltwater Fishing License: Anglers can target sport fish in public saltwater bodies within the State with a valid five-year license.
- Lifetime Saltwater Fishing: Anglers can target sport fish in public saltwater bodies within the State with a lifetime saltwater fishing licence.
These licenses are not the only ones available. There are also permits and licenses for saltwater anglers 65 years old and older. Permits are also available for those who want to fish for game fish like tarpon and snook. Visit MyFWC.com to see a complete list of licenses, permits, and other information.
Florida Fishing Licenses: Where to Buy
You can purchase a Florida fishing license online, by phone or in person at one of the nearly 1000 tax collector’s offices or retail outlets located throughout the state. Visit MyFWC.com to purchase a fishing permit or license. To purchase a license over the phone, call 1-888-FISHFLORIDA (347-4356) Visit MyFWC.com to find a list of license retailers and tax collectors in your area.
Florida Fishing License Fees
The cost of a Florida fishing license varies depending on which type of license you have and your residency status. Non-residents will have to pay more than residents. Age will also play a role in the cost. An example: A Florida resident would pay $17 to obtain a freshwater fishing license, but a non-resident would pay $47. Visit MyFWC.com to view the complete list of Florida license and permit fees.
How to renew a Florida fishing license
Florida residents can renew their fishing license online or in person at a tax collector office. You will need your social security number, and if you are renewing an old license, the license number. Non-residents cannot renew their licenses without submitting an application to the FWC and paying a license fee. Visit MyFWC.com for more information about renewing a Florida fishing license.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to have a fishing licence in Florida? All recreational anglers in Florida must have a fishing permit.
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How much is a Florida fishing license?
The cost of a Florida fishing license varies depending upon the type of license and where the angler lives. Visit MyFWC.com to view the complete list of license fees. -
Where can a Florida fishing license be purchased?
You can buy a Florida fishing license online, by phone or in person at a tax collector office. Visit MyFWC.com to see a complete list of licensed retailers and tax collector offices. -
How long does a Florida fishing license last?
Florida fishing licenses are valid for either one, five, or ten years depending on the type of license purchased. -
How can I renew my Florida fishing license?
You can renew your Florida fishing license online or in person at a tax collector office if you are a resident. To renew their license, non-residents must complete an application and pay a license fee. Visit MyFWC.com for more information. -
Where can you find the Florida Fishing Regulations.
You can view the Florida Fishing Regulations online at MyFWC.com. -
What type a fishing license do you need to saltwater fish in Florida?
You will need a saltwater fishing license to fish in any public saltwater body within Florida. This can be an annual, five-year, lifetime, or lifetime license. You can also get saltwater fishing permits and licenses. -
What type a fishing license do you need to fish in freshwater in Florida?
You will need a freshwater fishing license to fish in any public freshwater body within Florida. This can be an annual, five-year, lifetime, or permanent license. You can also apply for freshwater fishing permits and licenses. -
Can I transfer my fishing license from another state into Florida?
No, fishing licenses that have been issued in other states cannot be transferred to Florida. You will need to buy a new fishing licence in Florida. -
Do you need a fishing license to bait fish in Florida?
No matter what method of fishing is used, recreational anglers in Florida must have a valid fishing licence. -
Do I require a fishing license to fish on a charter boat in Florida
No matter where they fish, recreational anglers in Florida must have a valid fishing licence.
All recreational fishing in Florida requires a Florida fishing license. Before you go out on the water, ensure you have a valid fishing license and are familiar with the regulations. Visit MyFWC.com for more information about Florida fishing licenses.
