Where Can You Fish In Florida With A License?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A Florida 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

. Not valid when fishing from a vessel, or a shoreline reached by vessel.

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.

Can you fish anywhere in Florida without a license?

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 license is required to attempt to take fish.

Can you fish for free in Florida?


Florida residents who only saltwater fish from the land or a structure attached to land, may get the no-cost resident recreational saltwater shoreline fishing license

. This license does NOT cover anyone fishing from a boat or from an island that they arrived at by boat.

How do I get a Florida fishing license?

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 Florida fishing license cost?

Florida resident combination licenses
Annual Saltwater and Freshwater Fishing


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

Do I 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.

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.

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.

What is the fine for fishing without a license in Florida?

You need a license to catch a fish and if you cast a line or catch and release. 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.

Who is exempt from Florida 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 I fish in Florida with a Georgia fishing license?

Reciprocal Agreements for Bordering States

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.

Can I fish off a dock in Florida without a license?

You can fish from a pier for recreational purposes, but

you still need a valid pier saltwater fishing license

.

How much is a Florida fishing license out of state?

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

Can I get a Florida fishing license at Walmart?


Yep, you can easily obtain a fishing license from a Walmart store, as long as it's one that has a Sports & Outdoors section

. A Walmart fishing license is the same kind that's issued by the state. It affords you the same rights and privileges on public waters.

What fish are in season in Florida?

Fish Season Best Dolphin April-September May-June Tarpon Year Round June – October Grouper Jan 1 – May 31 November – March Kingfish September-April December – March

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

.

At what age do you no longer need a 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 …

How do you get your fishing license?

Buying a fishing license is quick, easy and directly contributes toward conservation efforts. In most states,

licenses can be purchased online, by phone or at retail establishments

. Purchase a Fishing License in Your State.

How do you fish from shore in Florida?

Where can I fish without a boat near me?

  • Check with your state fish and wildlife agency. …
  • Visit nearby state and county parks. …
  • Keep an eye open for public waterways on your everyday routes. …
  • Ask at your local tackle shop or join a fishing club. …
  • Listen to local fishing reports.

Is shark fishing legal in Florida?


Many species of sharks are prohibited from harvest, possession, or landing in Florida waters

. Prohibited shark species must remain in the water with the gills submerged when fishing from shore or from a vessel. Prohibited shark species must be released without delay when fishing from the shore.

How many fishing rods can you use 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.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.