Fishing in Florida is a popular pastime for both residents and visitors, but it’s important to understand the licensing requirements to ensure you’re fishing legally. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the details of saltwater and freshwater fishing licenses, exemptions, costs, and additional permits needed for specific species or activities.
Saltwater Fishing License
Who Needs a Saltwater Fishing License?
- All non-residents over the age of 16 are required to have a saltwater fishing license.
- Florida residents between the ages of 16 and 65 must also possess a saltwater fishing license.
Saltwater Fishing License Exemptions
There are several exemptions to the saltwater fishing license requirement in Florida:
– Fishing from a charter, guide, or party boat with a valid vessel license.
– Fishing from a boat with a valid recreational saltwater vessel license.
– Fishing on a free fishing day (First Saturday and Sunday in June, First Saturday in September, and Saturday following Thanksgiving).
– Holding a valid saltwater products license or FWC charter captain license.
– Fishing from a pier with a valid saltwater pier license.
– Florida residents saltwater fishing from land or a structure fixed to land who have been determined eligible for the food stamp, temporary cash assistance, or Medicaid Program by the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
– Florida residents saltwater fishing with live or natural bait, using poles or lines that are not equipped with a fishing-line-retrieval mechanism, for noncommercial purposes in their home county.
Freshwater Fishing License
Who Needs a Freshwater Fishing License?
- All non-residents over the age of 16 are required to have a freshwater fishing license.
- Florida residents between the ages of 16 and 65 must also possess a freshwater fishing license.
Freshwater Fishing License Exemptions
There are a few exemptions to the freshwater fishing license requirement in Florida:
– Fishing from a man-made pond of 20 acres or less, with no surface water connection to public waters, located entirely within the private property of its owner.
– Fishing in a fish pond of 20 acres or more, whose owner has purchased a fish pond license.
– Fishing on a free fishing day (First Saturday and Sunday in April, Second Saturday and Sunday in June).
– Fishing in the St. Mary’s River or Lake Seminole (but not including tributary creeks in Florida) with a valid Georgia fishing license.
Cost and Purchase
Fishing License Costs
- Resident Annual Saltwater Fishing License: $17.00
- Non-Resident Annual Saltwater Fishing License: $47.00
- Resident Annual Freshwater Fishing License: $17.00
- Non-Resident Annual Freshwater Fishing License: $47.00
- Combo licenses and shorter-term licenses are also available.
How to Purchase a Fishing License
Fishing licenses in Florida can be purchased in the following ways:
– Online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com
– Through the Fish Hunt FL app
– In person at a licensed agent or tax collector’s office
Additional Permits and Regulations
In addition to the basic fishing licenses, anglers in Florida may need to obtain additional permits or designations for certain species or activities:
– Tarpon Permit: Required for landing tarpon, with no exemptions.
– Snook Permit: Required for taking or attempting to take snook.
– Lobster Permit: Required for taking or attempting to take lobster.
– Shark Permit: Required for taking or attempting to take sharks from shore.
– State Reef Fish Angler Designation: Required for anglers 16 and older fishing for certain reef fish from a private vessel in Florida.
Remember, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the latest fishing regulations and requirements in Florida to ensure you’re fishing legally and responsibly. By understanding the licensing and permit system, you can enjoy the abundant fishing opportunities the state has to offer while staying compliant with the law.
Reference:
- https://www.frvta.org/visitors-need-license-fish-florida/
- https://myfwc.com/license/recreational/do-i-need-one/
- https://www.takemefishing.org/florida/fishing/fishing-license/
- https://myfwc.com/license/recreational/saltwater-fishing/
- https://fishingbooker.com/blog/florida-fishing-license/