Do You Need A Freshwater Fishing License In Florida?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Florida residents and visitors are required to possess a Florida hunting, freshwater or saltwater fishing license when engaged in fishing and hunting activities

. A license is required to attempt to take fish. If you cast a line or catch and release, you need a fishing license.

Who needs a fishing license in the state of 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.

Are seniors exempt from fishing license in Florida?


Florida residents age 65 or older do not need a recreational hunting, freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing license

or a *Florida waterfowl, migratory bird, deer, turkey, snook, spiny lobster, archery season, crossbow season, muzzleloading season permit or management area permit by possessing proof of age and …

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


Residents and non-residents are required to carry a valid Florida fishing license to fish in freshwater

, whether you are fishing from the shore, from a boat, from a dock, jetty or from a pier. Exceptions are for anglers under 16, resident or non-resident, and Florida residents 65 and over.

How much is a freshwater fishing license in Florida?

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

How much is a non resident freshwater 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

Do you need a Florida fishing license to fish off a pier?

For those fishing piers where a fee is required,

almost all have a pier license

that covers anglers, resident and non-resident, that fish on the pier.

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


A freshwater fishing license is not required if:


You are fishing in a fish pond of 20 acres or less which is located entirely within the private property of its owner

.

At what age in Florida do you not need a fishing license?

You do not need a freshwater fishing license if…


You are a child under 16 years of age

. You are a Florida resident 65 years of age or older and you possess proof of age and residency, such as a Florida driver's license or ID, or an optional no-cost Resident 65+ Hunting and Fishing Certificate.

Can you buy a Florida fishing license online?


Licenses and permits are available online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com

, in person at a license agent or tax collector's office or by calling toll-free 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356). Check what qualifies for Florida residency and if you are eligible for exemptions.

How much does a Florida fishing license cost?

License Cost
Annual Resident Fishing License


$17.00
Non-Resident 3-day fishing License $17.00 Non-Resident 7-Day Fishing License $30.00 Annual Non-Resident Fishing License $47.00

How do I get a Florida fishing license?

  1. Online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
  2. In person at a license agent or tax collector's office.
  3. By calling toll-free 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356) or 888-HUNT-FLORIDA (888-486-8356)
  4. Through the Fish|Hunt FL App on Apple and Android devices.

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

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.

What are the free fishing days in Florida?

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

Where can I get a freshwater fishing license?

Freshwater fishing licenses can be obtained from CapeNature, who is responsible for biodiversity conservation in the Western Cape, and are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. To apply for one, you can

contact the head office at 087 087 9262 or one of the CapeNature regional offices

.

How much is a Florida fishing license at Walmart?

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.

How much is a saltwater and freshwater fishing license in Florida?

Florida resident combination licenses
Annual Saltwater and Freshwater Fishing


$32.50
Annual Saltwater and Freshwater Fishing and Hunting $48.00 Gold Sportsman's Licenses

Can you fish on public beaches 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.

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

. Many anglers choose not to use treble hooks with bait at all because you cannot be sure which species of fish will bite.

Do veterans need a fishing license in Florida?

Florida residents who are members of the Armed Forces of the United States who aren't stationed in the state and are home on leave for 30 days or less are exempt from recreational hunting, freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing licenses as well as Florida waterfowl, migratory bird, deer, turkey, snook, spiny lobster, …

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.