Florida fishing licenses are issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). This guide explains how to buy, renew, or reprint your Florida fishing license online through the official GoOutdoorsFlorida system, what licenses cost, how saltwater licensing works, and what Florida fishing rules require.
Visit the official Florida fishing license page →
Quick Florida Fishing License Information
| Category | Florida Fishing License Details |
|---|---|
| Issued By | Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) |
| Online System | GoOutdoorsFlorida.com |
| Online Purchase Available? | Yes (annual licenses); short-term nonresident licenses must be purchased in person |
| Digital License Display Allowed? | Yes — digital proof accepted by FWC |
| Minimum License Age | 16 years old |
| Resident Annual License | $17.00 (freshwater or saltwater) |
| Nonresident Annual License | $47.00 (freshwater or saltwater) |
| License Validity | 12 months from date of purchase |
| Shoreline-Only Saltwater License | Free for Florida residents |
Always verify current pricing through the official FWC GoOutdoorsFlorida website before purchasing. Florida license fees can change periodically. All prices listed on FWC’s website include the statutory issuance fee; vendors may also charge an additional 50¢ issuance fee.
How to Buy a Florida Fishing License Online
Florida fishing licenses can be purchased online through the official GoOutdoorsFlorida system at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, operated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Annual licenses are available online; however, nonresident 3-day and 7-day licenses must be purchased in person at a county tax collector’s office or authorized license agent. Licenses can also be purchased by phone at (888) 347-4356.
Online handling fees: $2.25 flat fee or $1.75 + 2.95% of total sale. Phone purchases: $6.25 + 2.95% of total sale.
- Visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com — Go to the official FWC fishing license portal.
- Create or log in to your account — Enter your Florida driver’s license or ID number and personal information.
- Select your license type — Choose resident or nonresident, annual or short-term, freshwater, saltwater, or combination license.
- Complete payment online — Pay using a debit or credit card.
- Download or display your license — Florida accepts digital fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device. A hard card (credit card-style physical license) is available for an additional fee.
Important: Nonresident 3-day and 7-day licenses are not available online. These must be purchased at a Florida county tax collector’s office or authorized general agent location.
Access the official FWC GoOutdoorsFlorida licensing system →
What Is GoOutdoorsFlorida?
GoOutdoorsFlorida.com is the official online licensing portal operated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). It is used to purchase, renew, and manage Florida fishing licenses, hunting licenses, and related permits.
FWC also offers the Fish|Hunt FL app, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play. The app allows anglers to purchase, store, and display fishing licenses, access regulations, use harvest reporting, and more — with offline functionality.
Florida Fishing License Costs
Florida fishing license costs vary based on residency, age, and license type. Florida offers separate freshwater, saltwater, and combination licenses. All sales are final — license and permit fees are nonrefundable.
| License Type | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater Fishing License | $17.00 | $47.00 | 12 months from purchase |
| Freshwater Fishing License (5-Year) | $79.00 | N/A | 5 years from purchase |
| Saltwater Fishing License | $17.00 | $47.00 | 12 months from purchase |
| Saltwater Fishing License (5-Year) | $79.00 | N/A | 5 years from purchase |
| Saltwater Shoreline-Only License | No cost | N/A | 12 months from purchase |
| Freshwater + Saltwater Combo License | $32.50 | N/A | 12 months from purchase |
| Freshwater + Hunting Combo License | $32.50 | N/A | 12 months from purchase |
| Freshwater + Saltwater + Hunting Combo | $48.00 | N/A | 12 months from purchase |
| Gold Sportsman’s License | $100.00 | N/A | 12 months from purchase |
| Gold Sportsman’s License (5-Year) | $494.00 | N/A | 5 years from purchase |
| Military Gold Sportsman’s License | $20.00 | N/A | 12 months from purchase |
| Silver Sportsman’s 64+ License | $13.50 | N/A | 12 months from purchase |
| Silver Sportsman’s 64+ License (5-Year) | $61.50 | N/A | 5 years from purchase |
| 3-Day Freshwater License | N/A | $17.00 | 3 days — in person only |
| 7-Day Freshwater License | N/A | $30.00 | 7 days — in person only |
| 3-Day Saltwater License | N/A | $17.00 | 3 days — in person only |
| 7-Day Saltwater License | N/A | $30.00 | 7 days — in person only |
| Youth Freshwater or Saltwater License | $17.00 | N/A | Optional; ages 8–15, valid until 17th birthday |
License fees can change. Always verify current pricing through the official FWC GoOutdoorsFlorida website before purchasing.
See our fishing license cost by state guide for nationwide comparisons.
Florida Saltwater Fishing License and Permits
Florida requires a separate saltwater fishing license for fishing in saltwater and tidal waters. A freshwater fishing license alone does not cover saltwater fishing in Florida. Anglers fishing both freshwater and saltwater should consider the Freshwater + Saltwater Combination License ($32.50 resident annual) for the best overall value.
In addition to a base saltwater license, certain species and activities require additional permits:
- Snook Permit — $10.00 annual / $50.00 five-year (residents only); required to take or attempt to take snook, including from shore. All sales final — check if snook is open in your area before buying.
- Spiny Lobster Permit — $5.00 annual / $25.00 five-year (residents only); required to take spiny lobster
- Tarpon Tag — $51.50 annual; required to land tarpon; no exemptions; available at tax collector’s offices only
- State Reef Fish Angler Designation — free; required for all anglers 16+ fishing certain reef fish from a private vessel; no exemptions
- Shore-based Shark Fishing Permit — free; required in addition to saltwater license for anglers 16+ targeting sharks from shore, piers, bridges, or jetties; requires completing the FWC online educational course first
- Blue Crab Trap Registration — free; required to harvest blue crabs using traps; available at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com only
- Stone Crab Trap Registration — free; required to harvest stone crabs using traps; available at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com only
Florida residents age 65 and older can fish both freshwater and saltwater without purchasing a paid license, but must carry proof of age and Florida residency.
See our saltwater fishing license guide for more on coastal fishing requirements by state.
Florida Shoreline-Only Saltwater Fishing License
Florida offers a free Resident Annual Saltwater Shoreline License for anglers fishing from shore or a structure attached to shore. This is a formal no-cost license, not merely an exemption.
The shoreline license is not valid when fishing from a vessel, or from a shoreline that can only be reached by vessel. It is also not valid when taking fish by swimming or diving.
Even when fishing under the shoreline license, all other fishing regulations apply, including seasons, bag limits, and size restrictions. Additional permits (such as the Snook Permit) are still required for applicable species even under the shoreline license.
Florida Short-Term and 3-Day Fishing Licenses
Florida offers short-term nonresident fishing licenses for visitors and tourists. Important: As of 2026, nonresident 3-day and 7-day fishing licenses are not available for purchase online. These licenses must be purchased in person at a Florida county tax collector’s office or authorized general agent location.
- 3-Day Freshwater License — $17.00 for nonresidents (in person only)
- 3-Day Saltwater License — $17.00 for nonresidents (in person only)
- 7-Day Freshwater License — $30.00 for nonresidents (in person only)
- 7-Day Saltwater License — $30.00 for nonresidents (in person only)
Nonresident visitors planning short fishing trips should locate their nearest county tax collector’s office before arriving. Nonresident annual licenses ($47.00) remain available online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com and may be more cost-effective if visiting for multiple days.
Visiting Florida to fish? See our fishing license for visitors guide.
Gold and Sportsman’s Licenses
Florida offers combination Sportsman’s licenses that bundle fishing, hunting, and multiple permits into one purchase for significant savings.
- Gold Sportsman’s License ($100.00 annual / $494.00 five-year) — includes freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, and hunting licenses; plus Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Deer, Turkey, Florida Waterfowl, Snook, and Lobster permits
- Military Gold Sportsman’s License ($20.00 annual) — same inclusions as Gold Sportsman’s; available to Florida residents who are active duty or retired military; purchase online through GoOutdoorsFlorida.com after verification, or at a tax collector’s office
- Silver Sportsman’s 64+ License ($13.50 annual / $61.50 five-year) — available for Florida residents age 64+; includes freshwater fishing and hunting licenses plus WMA, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Deer, Turkey, and Florida Waterfowl permits; does not include saltwater license, Snook, or Lobster permits
- Sportsman’s License ($80.50 annual) — includes freshwater fishing and hunting licenses plus WMA and various hunting permits; does not include saltwater license, Snook, or Lobster permits
Why Buying Online Is the Fastest Option
- Immediate access — Annual licenses are typically issued instantly after purchase
- No travel required — Skip the trip to a bait shop or FWC office for annual licenses
- 24/7 availability — Buy anytime, including the morning of a fishing trip
- Digital convenience — Florida accepts licenses displayed on the Fish|Hunt FL app or on a mobile device
- Easy renewals and reprints — Access your GoOutdoorsFlorida account anytime
How to Renew a Florida Fishing License Online
Florida fishing licenses are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Renewal is available online through GoOutdoorsFlorida.com before or after your license expires.
- Visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com
- Log in to your FWC account
- Select your renewal license type
- Complete payment online
- Download or display your renewed license
For additional guidance, see our fishing license renewal guide, renew fishing license online guide, and fishing license expiration guide.
How to Reprint a Florida Fishing License
If you lose your Florida fishing license or need another copy, you can reprint or redownload it through your GoOutdoorsFlorida account.
- Visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com and log in to your account
- Locate your fishing license in your purchase history
- Select your license
- Download or print a replacement copy
Saving a PDF copy or screenshot on your phone is recommended for backup access while fishing offshore or in remote areas. The Fish|Hunt FL app also stores licenses with offline functionality.
See our reprint fishing license guide and replace lost fishing license guide.
Who Needs a Florida Fishing License?
Most Florida residents and nonresidents age 16 and older need a valid Florida fishing license while fishing in public freshwater or saltwater.
- Florida residents age 16+ need a resident fishing license for freshwater or saltwater fishing
- Nonresidents age 16+ need a nonresident Florida fishing license
- Children under 16 do not need a fishing license in Florida (optional youth licenses available for ages 8–15)
- Florida residents age 65+ can fish freshwater and saltwater without purchasing a paid license — proof of age and Florida residency required
- Florida residents age 64+ can purchase the reduced-fee Silver Sportsman’s 64+ License
- Florida residents fishing from shore can obtain the free Resident Saltwater Shoreline License in lieu of the paid saltwater license (with restrictions)
- Active duty and retired military residents can purchase the Military Gold Sportsman’s License for $20.00
- Disability exemptions apply — review current FWC accessibility accommodations for qualifying conditions
Related guides:
- Do You Need a Fishing License?
- Do Kids Need a Fishing License?
- Fishing License Age Requirements
- Senior Fishing License Guide
Florida Nonresident Fishing License
Out-of-state anglers fishing in Florida must purchase a nonresident fishing license through FWC. Florida is one of the most popular fishing destinations in the United States, attracting nonresident anglers for bass fishing, deep sea fishing, Florida Keys fishing, tarpon, snook, redfish, and year-round warm weather fishing opportunities.
Nonresident annual options: freshwater at $47.00, saltwater at $47.00. Short-term 3-day ($17.00) and 7-day ($30.00) options are available for freshwater and saltwater, but must be purchased in person at a county tax collector’s office.
Fishing across state lines? See our fishing license reciprocity guide.
Florida Fishing License Expiration
Florida annual fishing licenses are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Unlike most states that use a fixed calendar or fiscal year, Florida uses a rolling 12-month period tied to your individual purchase date. You can check your exact expiration date by logging in to your GoOutdoorsFlorida account.
Related guides:
Florida Fishing License Rules and Exemptions
- Carry your license while fishing — Florida requires proof of licensing when requested by a Florida Fish and Wildlife officer
- Digital licenses accepted — FWC allows licenses displayed on the Fish|Hunt FL app or a mobile device
- Separate freshwater and saltwater licenses — make sure you have the correct license for where you are fishing
- A Florida license is required to land saltwater species in Florida — even if caught in federal (offshore) waters
- Nonresident short-term licenses must be purchased in person — 3-day and 7-day licenses are not available online
- All sales are final — license and permit fees are nonrefundable
- Free Fishing Days — Florida designates annual Free Fishing Days when no license is required; see our free fishing days guide
- Additional permits required — Snook, Tarpon, Spiny Lobster, reef fish, shore-based shark fishing, and crab traps each have separate permit requirements
- Follow all FWC regulations — bag limits, size limits, seasons, and gear restrictions vary by species and area
Before fishing, review current regulations through the official FWC fishing regulations page.
Where to Buy a Florida Fishing License In Person
Florida fishing licenses are available from authorized FWC license agents throughout the state, including county tax collector’s offices (required for some permits and nonresident short-term licenses).
- Florida county tax collector’s offices (required for nonresident 3-day/7-day licenses and Tarpon Tags)
- Walmart sporting goods counters
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Bass Pro Shops
- Cabela’s
- Local bait and tackle shops
- Authorized Florida FWC license agents statewide
Vendor participation varies by location. Use the official FWC license agent locator to find an authorized agent near you.
See our guide on where to buy a fishing license near you.
Related Florida Fishing Guides
- Online Fishing License Directory
- Where to Buy a Fishing License Near Me
- Saltwater Fishing License Guide
- Fishing License for Visitors
- How Much Is a Fishing License?
- Fishing License Cost by State
- Fishing License Renewal
- Reprint Fishing License
- Free Fishing Days in Every State
- Does Walmart Sell Fishing Licenses?
- Senior Fishing License Guide