Florida State Fishing Licenses

Know your fishing laws

Florida is a popular fishing location, where freshwater anglers can hook bass, catfish, crappie and bream. Combine this with the wild bounty of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, and it's easy to see why people love to fish in Florida. Florida anglers--resident and nonresidents alike--are required to have licenses to fish the state's waterways.

Significance

Fishing licenses help fund the regulation and stocking of recreational fishing areas people love to fish. Without regulation, many places would be overfished and lose much of their recreational value. Licenses help the government determine how many people are fishing so it can try to properly take care of the grounds and water of the fishing areas.

Types

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission issues three types of licenses and permits for Florida fishing: freshwater, saltwater and commercial. Commercial vessels are subject to restrictions and will need to pay licensing fees for the different kind of fish caught.

Considerations

Private fishing licenses are unnecessary for those 15 or younger or 65 or older (with proof of age). Florida residents certified as totally and permanently disabled are not required to have licenses. Residents fishing on their homesteads in their counties of residences do not need licenses, either. Anglers who use organic bait and don't use reels are not required to get licenses.
Permit purchasers will be charged sales tax and possibly a small issuance fee. Those who call to order a permit, will be issued a temporary number so they can fish right away.

Time Frame

Fishing permits in Florida last for one year, but a five-year freshwater permit is available at a discount.

Warning

Fishing without a license could result in fines--perhaps five times or more than the cost of the license. After paying the fine, the angler must still purchase a license.

References

• MyFWC.com: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Home Page