Florida Fishing License Guide for Non-Residents

In Florida, you can obtain a fishing license based on your status as a resident or non-resident. If you’re a resident, you don’t need a license, but you can purchase one from your county tax collector’s office. Non-residents aged 16 and above must hold Florida licenses and permits to engage in freshwater and saltwater fishing. You do not need a license if you are a senior citizen and over 65 years of age. However, you must have a license if you plan to use a beach seine or haul seine to fish. You must also have a Florida fishing license if you plan to fish from a for-hire vessel.


Please read our post about purchasing a Florida fishing license online for more detailed information.

Disability Fishing License

Visitors with disabilities do not qualify for a free Persons with Disabilities Residents Only hunting/fishing license.


That license is an economical accommodation for a part of Florida’s disabled population who are disabled and unable to pay for the license.

Disability Fishing License


Visitors with disabilities do not qualify for a free Persons with Disabilities Residents Only hunting/fishing license.

That license is an economical accommodation for a part of Florida’s disabled population who are disabled and unable to pay for the license.


When visiting Florida, who doesn’t require licenses and permits?

In Florida, the following non-residents do not require recreational licenses or permits:

  • Minor under the age of 16.

A freshwater fishing license is not necessary if any of the following conditions are met:

  • You’re out fishing on a free freshwater fishing day.
  • You are fishing in a freshwater fishpond that is 20-acre or larger and whose owner has paid a fishpond license.
  • You are fishing in a 20-acre or smaller fishpond on the owner’s private land.
  • You have a valid Georgia fishing license and are fishing in the St. Mary’s River or Lake Seminole (tributary streams in Florida are exempt).

A saltwater fishing license and permits are not necessary if any of the following conditions are met:

  • You’re out fishing on a free saltwater fishing day.
  • You fish from a charter boat with a valid charter license.
  • You are fishing from a vessel whose operator has a current saltwater recreational vessel license issued in their name.
  • Fishing from a pier with a valid saltwater pier license.
  • You hold an FWC charter captain license or a saltwater products license that is valid (does not apply to charter boat license or U.S. Coast Guard license).

* Tarpon tags are exempt from these exceptions.

You also need a license to catch native and non-native fish. Remember, if you catch a fish you don’t have a license for, you must release it. While you’re in Florida, you may be able to catch and eat a variety of different species, including snook and lobster.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission patrols all bodies of water in the state. If you violate the law several times, you could face fines of up to $500. In addition, failure to appear in court can lead to a second-degree misdemeanor or even a year in jail.

There are several places to get a Florida fishing license. Some are free, while others aren’t. A good guide will tell you where to buy a fishing license. It will also tell you which locations are the most affordable. Finally, it will explain which fishing licenses are required for different types of fishing.

You can purchase a license online or by calling the FWC. Whether you prefer to pay online or over the phone, you’ll have to provide a major credit card. You can also specify a starting date for your license, which will make it easier to plan your trip.

If you’re visiting Florida for a short period, you can purchase a short-term license. However, you’ll need a regular license if you plan to fish in a saltwater body of water. This isn’t necessary if you’re fishing in a private pond.

You should never forget that the license fees are set by the Florida Legislature and are subject to change. Purchasing a fishing license is essential for conservation and preserving our fishing traditions.

A fishing license will protect the life and beauty of Florida’s rivers, lakes, and seas. It helps preserve natural habitats and maintain a healthy number of species in the waters and rivers. Fishing licenses help fund this work and generate between $4 million and $10 million in annual revenue.

Florida fishing license prices vary depending on the license type and residency and are subject to change.

Saltwater Fishing License

Saltwater Fishing License for anyone planning to bring saltwater species in Florida to land, regardless of where they are caught, a Florida fishing license is necessary.

Prices:

Non-Residents 3-Day: $17.00

Non-Residents 7-Day: $30

Freshwater Fishing License

A freshwater fishing license for taking or attempting to take native or non-native freshwater fish is required.

Prices:

Non-Residents Annual: $47.00

Non-Residents 3-Day: $17.00

Non-Residents 7-Day: $30.00

Free Fishing Days

License-free fishing days are an ideal chance for people who do not yet have a fishing license to try their hand at fishing, for parents to take their children fishing, or for experienced anglers to introduce a friend to fishing without purchasing a license.

All recreational anglers, including residents and non-residents, are exempt from needing a fishing license on certain days.

When are License-free fishing days in Florida?

Freshwater License-Free Fishing Days

  • First consecutive Saturday and Sunday in April
  • Second consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June

Saltwater License-Free Fishing Days

  • First consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June
  • First Saturday in September
  • Saturday following Thanksgiving
  • The saltwater waiver covers any recreational catch that requires a saltwater fishing license and fishing from shore or a boat.
  • Nowadays, a permit for a spiny lobster or a snook is also unnecessary.

Please double-check all regulations based on an activity before acquiring recreational fishing licenses and permits.

Check to see whether you qualify for Florida residence and if you are eligible for any exemptions.

Licenses and permits can be obtained by calling 888-FISH-FLORID toll-free at 888-347-4356, going online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, or in person at a licensed agent or tax collector’s office.

All anglers who wish to fish or plan to harvest specific reef fish while on a private vessel in Florida must acquire the State Reef Fish Angler designation.