Florida Saltwater Fishing License

Florida requires a saltwater license for fishing, but there are exceptions.

Saltwater surrounds Florida on three sides, offering plenty of opportunity for recreational saltwater fishing. Whether casting from boat, dock or shore, avoid fines and purchase a Florida saltwater fishing license before your line hits the water. Obtaining a license is not difficult, but deciding on which one to purchase can get confusing.

Where to Purchase a License

Saltwater licenses can be purchased from a licensed agent at a bait and tackle shop.

You can buy a Florida saltwater fishing license from licensed bait and tackle shops or sports retailers. County tax collectors’ offices also sell licenses. They can be purchased online or over the phone from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (888-347-4356). Phone and Internet sales have additional fees included. If you order online or by phone a code will be given to you allowing you to start fishing immediately. Your printed license will be mailed within 48 hours.

Florida Residency Requirements

Shoreline saltwater fishing as of July 1, 2010 is free but still requires a license.

The State of Florida, for sporting licenses purposes, defines residents as anyone who has lived in the state for six consecutive months prior to buying the license and claims Florida as his primary residence. The state also grants residency to any active military personnel stationed in the state and his household.

Exemptions

If you are fishing from a pier for recreational purposes, and the pier has a valid pier saltwater fishing license, you do not need to obtain one.

Florida provides many exemptions to the requirement for purchasing a saltwater fishing license based on economic need, age, homestead, type of gear and military duty. Exemptions also exist that apply to individuals using professional fishing services such as piers, charters and guides.

Rules exempt children under 16 years old from needing a license. Also, residents 65 and over who have proof of age and residency or hold a Resident Senior Citizen Hunting and Fishing Certificate do not need to buy a license. The certificate can be obtained from the county tax collectors’ office.

For more details on exemptions contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Cost

Recreational saltwater fishing from a watercraft requires a saltwater fishing license.

Florida has several pricing options for recreational saltwater licenses for residents and nonresidents.

Residents can purchase licenses for one year, five years and lifetime. They can combine saltwater, freshwater and hunting licenses. A shoreline saltwater license is free to residents. Residents still need to obtain a license in order to meet federal guidelines. A saltwater license that covers both shoreline and water craft is $17. A five-year license is $79. Lifetime licenses are available and pricing varies depending on the individual’s age. A freshwater/saltwater combined license for a resident for a year costs $32.50.

Nonresidents can purchase a three-day saltwater fishing license for $17 and a seven-day license for $30. A year license will cost them $47.

Additional Permits

In addition to a saltwater license, fishing for snook, spiny lobster, and tarpon requires a permit. For residents, the exemptions above also count toward snook and spiny lobster permits. However, everyone fishing for tarpon must purchase a tag, and the tags are only available through the tax collectors’ office. A snook permit costs $10 and a spiny lobster permit costs $5. A tarpon tag costs $51.50.

References

• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; Florida Fishing Regulations: 2010 Saltwater Edition
• My FWC: Recreational Licenses and Permits
• My FWC: On July 1 Resident Shoreline FIshing License Is Free; Other Prices Increase

Resources

• My FWC: Commercial Saltwater Fishing Licenses