Florida is an amazing place to go fishing, with various great fishing opportunities across the state. However, if you’re planning on fishing in Florida, then you’ll need the correct fishing license or permit. Where you plan on fishing in Florida, how long you plan on fishing, and what species you’re targeting will all play a role in what type of fishing license you purchase.
Luckily for you, in the following guide to buying a fishing license in Florida, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including:
If you plan to drop a line and go fishing in Florida, check out Florida Fishing Seasons: Your Comprehensive Guide!
When it comes to finding the best local fishing spots and locations in Florida, including secret local hot spots, every angler needs a little help, especially if you are new to the Florida fishing scene. If you want to catch fish on your Florida fishing trip, you’ll need the premium Fishing Forecasting App, Fishbox App. Thanks to the Fishbox App, you’ll know the perfect time to go fishing in Florida and when you’re better off relaxing with a good book.
Types of Florida Fishing Licenses
If you plan on fishing in Florida, you’ll first need to determine if you’re going freshwater or saltwater fishing. Florida offers a variety of different fishing licenses and permits, including:
Freshwater Florida Fishing License:
- Resident License – Available in one or five years.
- Non-resident Fishing License – Available in three or seven days or annually.
- Combination License – Freshwater and Saltwater fishing license.
- Youth License – Optional youth license for anglers aged between 8-15.
- Lifetime Fishing License – Valid for your lifetime.
Saltwater Florida Fishing License:
- Resident License – Available in one or five years.
- Non-resident Fishing License – Available in three or seven days or annually.
- Shoreline Only License – If you want to fish from the shore, you can purchase a shoreline-only license at no cost.
- Combination License – Freshwater and Saltwater fishing license.
- Youth License – Optional youth license for anglers aged between 8-15.
- Lifetime Fishing License – Valid for your lifetime.
Florida also offers several free saltwater and freshwater fishing days if you would like to try fishing before committing to purchasing a license or permit. On the dates below, the fishing license requirement is waived. However, all other rules, including bag limits, season restrictions, and size limits, still apply.
Free Freshwater Florida Fishing Days:
- The first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in April.
- The second consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June.
Free Saltwater Florida Fishing Days:
- The first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June.
- The first Saturday in September.
- The Saturday following Thanksgiving.
Cost of Florida Fishing Licenses
Florida is committed to ensuring that future generations of anglers have the same great opportunity to enjoy both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Because of this, except for processing fees, all money made from fishing licenses goes to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for fish and wildlife assistance, including habitat, access, conservation, research, and fish stocking.
Below, we’ll break down some of the 2024 Florida fishing license costs, but a full breakdown of all license fees, including discounts and exemptions, can be found on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website.
Florida Resident Fishing License Costs:
- Annual Freshwater Fishing License – $17.00.
- 5-Year Freshwater Fishing License – $79.00.
- Annual Saltwater Fishing License – $17.00.
- 5-Year Saltwater Fishing License – $79.00.
- Annual Combination Fresh and Saltwater Fishing License – $32.50.
- Optional Youth License – $17.00.
- Lifetime Fishing License (dependent on age):
- Age 4 or younger – $126.50.
- Ages 5-12 – $226.50.
- Ages 13 and older – $301.50.
Florida Non-Resident Fishing License Costs:
- Annual Freshwater Fishing License – $47.00.
- 3-Day Freshwater Fishing License – $17.00.
- 7-Day Freshwater Fishing License – $30.00.
- Annual Saltwater Fishing License – $47.00.
- 3-Day Saltwater Fishing License – $17.00.
- 7-Day Saltwater Fishing License – $30.00.
- Optional Youth License – $17.00.
Where to Obtain a Florida Fishing License
If you’re ready to go freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing in Florida, then it’s time to buy a license or permit. Getting a fishing license in Florida is quick and easy. You can purchase your fishing license or permit by:
- By going online to GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
- In-store at a licensed agent or tax collector’s office.
- By phoning toll-free 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356) or 888-HUNT-FLORIDA (888-486-8356).
- The Fish|Hunt App is available for both Apple and Android devices.
Complete Guide to Florida Fishing Licenses – Conclusion
Fishing licenses in Florida are not only a legal requirement unless you’re fishing on a license-free day, but they also help to financially support ongoing fishing opportunities for future generations.
By utilizing the technology in the Fishbox App, you can accurately track weather conditions and predict the best times to hit the water when planning your fishing trip or fishing vacation in Florida.
It combines predictive fish behavior with weather, lunar, and tidal conditions to deliver optimal freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities in Florida, regardless of whether you’re going fresh or saltwater fishing.
The Fishbox App was developed in collaboration with accurate weather data and expert fish behavioral analysis. These advanced forecasts will significantly increase your catch rate while reducing your time on the water. Take your fishing to the next level thanks to the expert advice from the Fishbox App team.
If you have any questions about fishing licenses in Florida, please don’t hesitate to comment below!