Can You Fish From Shore In Florida Without A License?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Can you fish from shore in Florida without a license? Resident saltwater anglers who fish from shore or a structure affixed to shore will need a shoreline fishing license unless they have a regular saltwater fishing license, persons with disabilities fishing license, other combo license or are exempt.

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Do I need a fishing license in Florida to fish from shore?


A Florida fishing license is required to land saltwater species in Florida regardless of where they are caught

(state or federal waters). Valid for saltwater fishing from the shoreline or a structure affixed to shore.

Where can you fish in Florida without a license?

  • Florida residents under 16 or 65+ …
  • Anybody, including out-of-state visitors, on a charter fishing boat and most public piers. …
  • Residents fishing from shore in their home county with a cane pole or line without a retrieval mechanism.

Do you need a license to fish off the beach in Florida?


A saltwater fishing license and permits are not required if:


You are fishing during a free saltwater fishing day

. You fish from a pier with a valid saltwater pier license. You have a valid saltwater products license or FWC charter captain license (does not apply to charter boat license or U.S. Coast Guard license).

Can you fish from the shore in Florida?

Fishing is great on Florida beaches.

All public beaches allow fishing from the shore

and it is quite common to see people with their poles and cast nets working the calm surf. You can catch most inshore fish from the beach such as snook, pompano, shark, snapper, and redfish.

How much is a Florida saltwater fishing license?

Florida resident saltwater licenses Saltwater licenses cover both watercraft and shoreline fishing.
Annual Saltwater License


$17.00
Youth Saltwater Fishing License — valid until 17th birthday $17.00 Five-Year Saltwater License $79.00

How much does a Florida fishing license cost?

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 happens if I get caught fishing without a license in Florida?

fishing without a license is a non-criminal offense that is penalized by

paying the licensing fine & an additional $50

. The penalty fine increases to $100 if you are charged more than once within a 36 month period.

How much is a no fishing license ticket in Florida?

Fishing in Florida without a license is a level one violation under Section 379.354 of the Florida statutes and considered a noncriminal infraction. Level one violations involving fishing license requirements carry

a civil penalty equal to the cost of the license plus $50

.

How much is non resident fishing license in Florida?

Nonresident Freshwater Fishing Licenses
Freshwater Fishing (valid 12 months from specified start date)


$47.00
3-Day Freshwater Fishing (valid 3 consecutive days from specified start date) $17.00 7-Day Freshwater Fishing (valid 7 consecutive days from specified start date) $30.00

How do you fish off a pier in Florida?

How much is a Florida freshwater fishing license?

License Type Resident Cost Nonresident Cost
Annual Freshwater


$17


$47
5-Year Freshwater $79 N/A 3-Day Saltwater N/A $17 7-Day Saltwater N/A $30

Where can you surf fish in Florida?

Top east coast surf-casting beaches include

Miami Beach (south end), Pompano Beach, Cocoa Beach, Ormond Beach and Fernandina Beach

. West coast hot spots are Cape Sable, Bonita Springs, Indian Rocks Beach, Carrabelle, Mexico Beach, Gulf Breeze and Fort Walton Beach.

What do I need to fish off the beach?

  1. Saltwater Fishing Rod and Feel.
  2. Cast Net.
  3. Tackle and Bait.
  4. Surf Fishing Rigs (Fish-Finder and Drop)
  5. Marine Hook and Rig Holder (for tool organization)
  6. Knife.
  7. Bait Bucket and Air Pump.
  8. Spare Spool of Line.

How do you fish from the beach shore?

What do I need to beach fish in Florida?

No license is needed if you are under 16 or over 65 with an ID showing proof of age.

Nonresidents must purchase a 3-day, 7-day or annual nonresident saltwater fishing license

when saltwater fishing from the shore or a pier, bridge or jetty attached to the shore unless fishing on a pier with a pier license.

Who is exempt from Florida fishing license?


Ages 65 or Older

-If you are a Florida resident age 65 or older who has in your possession proof of age and residency (Florida Driver’s License or ID), you are not required to have fishing or hunting licenses. Ages 15 and under – Children under the age of 16 are not required to possess fishing or hunting licenses.

Where is the best saltwater fishing in Florida?

  • Big Lagoon State Park.
  • Fort Pickens fishing pier & beaches.
  • Johnson’s Beach at Gulf Islands National Seashore.
  • Old 3 mile bridge fishing pier.
  • Oriskany Artificial Reef (22.5 nautical miles southeast of Pensacola Pass)
  • Palafox Pier.
  • Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier.

Can you get a Florida fishing license at Walmart?


Yes! It is possible to purchase a fishing license at a Walmart store in the United States

. The Walmart stores that offer this service will usually be listed in the license vendor section of your state’s wildlife department website.

How much does a fishing license cost in Florida at Walmart?

Regular license cost at Walmart

for residents of age between 16 and 65 – $19

. A flat license cost for single-day fishing irrespective of the resident or non-resident status of the applicant – $11. Discounted license cost for senior citizens above 66 years of age – $10. Walmart annual fishing license fee – $40.

Do you need a fishing license in Florida on private property?


Anyone fishing in a fish pond of 20 acres or less which is located entirely within the private property of its owner does not need a freshwater fishing license

.

How do I start fishing in Florida?

To start fishing, just

buy your Florida freshwater fishing license online and assemble a few freshwater fishing tackle basics

. You really only need a rod and reel combo, some fishing line, and a few lures or live bait with hooks.

What happens if you keep an illegal fish in Florida?

Not only do the civil penalties range from $50 (for a first offense) to $250 (for a second offense or a third offense within 36 months), you must also pay the cost of the license or permit. Additionally,

failure to pay the penalty or appear in court can elevate the case to a criminal charge

.

At what age do you need a fishing license in Florida?


Residents between 16 years of age and 65 and all non-residents over the age of 16 (who aren’t exempt)

must have a Florida fishing license. Even those only practicing catch and release still need a fishing license. This requirement applies even on freshwater fishing charters with a captain.

Can I fish in Georgia with a Florida fishing license?

Georgia DNR has Agreements with Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina allowing holders of Georgia fishing licenses to fish in the waters covered without obtaining a fishing license from the bordering state. See Agreements with Bordering States.

Is freshwater fishing license free in Florida?


Salt or freshwater fishing licenses are issued separately and cost $17 a year each for Florida residents

. A combination salt-and-freshwater license for residents is $32.50. There are a few exemptions: No license is necessary on license-free fishing days.

Where can I buy a Florida fishing license?

Licenses and permits are available:

Online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com

. In person at a license agent or tax collector’s office. By calling toll-free 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356) or 888-HUNT-FLORIDA (888-486-8356)

Does Florida have a lifetime fishing license?

Lifetime License Designations


Lifetime license holders can now have designations for hunting, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing or gold sportsman’s licenses

as well as boating safety certifications added to a Florida driver’s license.

Is pier fishing free in Florida?

What do you need to fish off a pier?

  1. Fishing Cart. Get a wheeled fishing cart that will make it easier to transport your tackle and gear from your vehicle to the pier. …
  2. Rod and Reel Combo. …
  3. Fishing Hooks. …
  4. Bucktail Jigs. …
  5. Hoop Net. …
  6. Sinkers. …
  7. Pliers with Line Cutters. …
  8. Rod Holders.

What bait is best for pier fishing?

Bait: Popular types of pier fishing bait include

bloodworms, shrimp, squid, anchovies and sardines

. These should all be available at your local pier or bait shop. Note: Live bait is ideal so try to find a shop that offers this option.

What fish are in season in FL?

How much is a lifetime fishing license in the state of Florida?

Resident Lifetime Freshwater Fishing License
Lifetime Freshwater Fishing Age (0-4)


$126.50
Lifetime Freshwater Fishing Age (5-12) $226.50 Lifetime Freshwater Fishing Age (13 or older) $301.50

Can you catch snapper off the beach?

The vast majority of landbased anglers rarely catch snapper, and

rarely specifically target them from the shore

. Don’t let this rarity deter you because snapper can be caught of rocks, you just need to be quite specific in how you go about it.

How many rods can you surf fish with in Florida?

There is

no limit

on the number of rods an angler may use. Freshwater fish may not be taken by use of any free-floating, unattached device, or by taking of fish or wildlife with firearms, explosives, electricity, spear gun, poison or other chemicals.

What is best time to surf fish in Florida?

What’s the best time to go surf fishing? Plan to go

early or stay late

. You’ll catch the most fish before dawn, when they are looking for food, and after dusk, when it’s cooler and they’re ready for another meal.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.