As a non-resident visiting Florida, it’s essential to understand the fishing license requirements to enjoy the state’s abundant marine life legally. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the necessary information about the different types of Florida non-resident fishing licenses, permits, and exemptions, as well as the various ways to obtain them.
Types of Florida Non-Resident Fishing Licenses
1. Three-day Saltwater License
Cost: $17.00
2. Seven-day License
Cost: $30.00
3. Annual License
Cost: $47.00
Florida Non-Resident Saltwater Permits
1. Annual Snook Permit
Cost: $10.00
2. Five-Year Snook Permit (Florida residents only)
Cost: $50.00
3. Annual Spiny Lobster Permit
Cost: $5.00
4. Five-Year Spiny Lobster Permit (Florida residents only)
Cost: $25.00
5. Tarpon Tag
Cost: $51.50 (available at tax collector offices)
Exemptions for Florida Non-Residents
- Youth under 16 years of age
- Florida resident age 65 or older with proof of age and residency
- Florida resident fishing within his or her county of residence with live or natural bait
- Florida Resident Persons with Disabilities Hunting and Fishing License holder
- Florida resident accepted as a client for developmental disabilities services
- Florida resident saltwater fishing from land or a structure fixed to land who has been determined eligible for the food stamp, temporary cash assistance, or Medicaid Program
- U.S. Armed Forces members who is a Florida resident not stationed in the state but home on leave with orders for 30 days or less
- Individual commercial saltwater products license holders
- Those recreationally fishing from a pier that has a pier saltwater fishing license
- Fishing from a for-hire vessel (including guide, charter, party boat) that has a valid charter boat or charter captain license
- Fishing from a boat that has a recreational vessel fishing license
How to Purchase Florida Non-Resident Fishing Licenses and Permits
Online
- GoOutdoorsFlorida.com
- FishHuntFL app
Phone
- 1-888-347-4356
- 1-888-FISH-FLO
In-Person
- Local retail locations such as bait and tackle shops, sporting goods stores, gun shops, and department stores like Walmart Supercenter or Bass Pro Shops
Additional Requirements for Florida Non-Residents
State Reef Fish Angler Designation
Required for anglers 16 and older fishing for certain reef fish from a private vessel in Florida. No exemptions.
Annual Shore-Based Shark Fishing Permit
Required for anglers 16 and older fishing for sharks from shore, including jetties, bridges, and piers. No exemptions.
Annual Blue Crab Trap Registration
No-cost permit available online.
Annual Stone Crab Trap Registration
No-cost permit available online.
By understanding the various license and permit requirements, non-resident anglers can ensure they are fishing legally and responsibly in the beautiful waters of Florida. Remember to always check the latest regulations and plan your fishing trips accordingly.
Reference:
- https://www.eregulations.com/florida/fishing/saltwater/licenses-permits
- https://myfwc.com/license/recreational/saltwater-fishing/
- https://myfwc.com/license/recreational/visitors/
- https://bassonline.com/fl/fishing-license/
- https://www.takemefishing.org/florida/fishing/fishing-license/