There are a few exemptions: No license is necessary on license-free fishing days. Children under 16 are not required to have a fishing license. Florida resident age 65 or older do not need a license but must possess proof of age and residency or a Resident Senior Citizen Hunting and Fishing Certificate.
Does a minor need a fishing license in Florida?
A variety of licenses are available. State residents who are age 65 years and over and residents and non-residents who are under 16 years of age do not need a license to fish . Freshwater Fishing Licenses: A freshwater license is needed in order to fish on public waters.
Does a 16 year old need a fishing license in Florida?
Non-residents who are 16 years of age or older are required to have Florida licenses and permits to participate in hunting, freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing. ... A fishing license is required to attempt to take fish. If you cast a line or catch and release, you need a license.
Can you fish from shore in Florida without a license?
The short answer is Yes . Both residents and non-residents need to have a license in order to surf fish in Florida. The general saltwater fishing license is paid, but residents can obtain a free shore-only license that they can use only for shore fishing.
Does a minor need a saltwater fishing license in Florida?
Florida residents and visitors are required to possess a Florida hunting, freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing license when engaged in fishing and hunting activities. ... A saltwater fishing license is required to attempt to take any native or nonnative marine organisms , such as crabs, lobsters, and marine plants.
What is the fine for fishing without a license in Florida?
In Florida, fishing without a license is considered as level one violation. The section that covers this offense is 379.354. It is a noncriminal offense. In this offense, the culprit is to be penalized with a fine of the license cost plus an additional $50.
What is the best month to fish in Florida?
The best time to fish in the state of Florida in saltwater is normally April through September whereas the best times to fish freshwater are spring through November. Each species of Florida gamefish will have its peak high seasons.
Do I need a license to fish from a pier in Florida?
You can fish from a pier for recreational purposes, but you still need a valid pier saltwater fishing license .
Are treble hooks illegal in Florida?
A treble hook considered a “multiple hook” and is illegal on regulated and catch-and-release saltwater species in Florida when used in conjunction with live or dead natural bait.
What fish can you not keep in Florida?
- Lionfish.
- Marine Life (Aquarium) Species.
- Mackerel, King.
- Mackerel, Spanish.
- Mullet.
- Puffer Fish Prohibition.
- Red Drum.
- Permit, Florida pompano, African pompano.
Do Florida residents need a saltwater fishing license?
No. The shoreline saltwater fishing license is available to Florida residents only . Nonresident saltwater anglers must purchase a regular nonresident saltwater fishing license at $17 for three days, $30 for seven days or $47 for one year, regardless of whether they fish from shore or a vessel.
What license do I need to scallop in Florida?
Anyone harvesting scallops needs a current Florida recreational saltwater fishing license , unless you are scalloping on a chartered trip. A saltwater fishing license can be obtained online from the FWC.
How much is a fishing license at Walmart in Florida?
The cost of obtaining a fishing license from a Walmart in Florida is $17.50 . This is the price for a one-year license for fishing in freshwater or saltwater. A one-year combination license, however, costs $30.50. A “shoreline” license is also available to residents for free.
What happens if you keep an illegal fish in Florida?
So, what happens if you keep an illegal fish? While there are no personal consequences if you keep an illegal fish, you add to the chain of widespread problems and become a part of it. By keeping an illegal fish, you contribute to unequal growth and hamper the sustainability of legal fisheries and legalized angling .
Can you fish for free in Florida?
Any Florida resident can get a free shoreline fishing license , which allows you to fish for saltwater species from land or from structures attached to land.
What months are best for fishing?
Fishing can come alive in the dead of winter on a mild afternoon, but spring and fall usually present the best action. Generally, I try to avoid extremes of heat and cold and times when the water temperature falls rapidly.
