If you plan to go fishing in Florida, whether in freshwater or saltwater, you’ll need to purchase a fishing license. The cost of a Florida fishing license varies depending on your residency status, the type of license you need, and the duration of the license. In this article, we’ll break down the different types of fishing licenses available in Florida and their associated costs for 2024.
Resident Freshwater Fishing Licenses
If you’re a Florida resident and plan to fish in freshwater, you have several options for your fishing license:
Annual Resident Freshwater Fishing License: $17.00
Five-Year Resident Freshwater Fishing License: $79.00
Annual Resident Freshwater Fishing|Saltwater Fishing Combination: $32.50
Annual Resident Freshwater Fishing|Hunting Combination: $32.50
Annual Resident Freshwater Fishing|Saltwater Fishing|Hunting Combination: $48.00
The combination licenses offer a discounted price for Florida residents who want to purchase both freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses, or include a hunting license as well.
Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Licenses
If you’re not a Florida resident, you can still enjoy freshwater fishing in the state by purchasing one of the following non-resident licenses:
Annual Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing License: $47.00
Three-Day Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing License: $17.00
Seven-Day Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing License: $30.00
Resident Saltwater Fishing Licenses
For saltwater fishing in Florida, the license options are similar to freshwater fishing:
Annual Resident Saltwater Fishing License: $17.00
Five-Year Resident Saltwater Fishing License: $79.00
Annual Resident Saltwater Fishing|Freshwater Fishing Combination: $32.50
Annual Resident Saltwater Fishing|Freshwater Fishing|Hunting Combination: $48.00
There is also a no-cost Annual Resident Saltwater Shoreline License available for fishing from shorelines and attached structures accessible by foot, but it does not cover fishing from a watercraft, fishing from a shoreline reached by watercraft, or fishing while swimming or diving.
Non-Resident Saltwater Fishing Licenses
Non-residents have the following options for saltwater fishing licenses in Florida:
Three-Day Non-Resident Saltwater Fishing License: $17.00
Seven-Day Non-Resident Saltwater Fishing License: $30.00
Annual Non-Resident Saltwater Fishing License: $47.00
Additional Saltwater Fishing Permits
In addition to a saltwater fishing license, anglers may need to purchase additional permits depending on their target species and fishing methods:
Annual Snook Permit: $10.00
Five-Year Snook Permit (Florida residents only): $50.00
Annual Spiny Lobster Permit: $5.00
Five-Year Spiny Lobster Permit (Florida residents only): $25.00
Tarpon Tag (available only at tax collector offices): $51.50
There are also no-cost permits required for certain activities, such as the State Reef Fish Angler Designation for those fishing for reef fish from a private vessel, the Annual Shore-Based Shark Fishing Permit, and the Annual Blue Crab and Stone Crab Trap Registrations.
Lifetime and Youth Licenses
Florida offers lifetime licenses for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, as well as youth licenses for anglers under 16 years of age:
Annual Resident Youth Freshwater Fishing License: $17.00
Annual Resident Youth Saltwater Fishing License: $17.00
Resident Youth Gold Sportsman’s License (available with completion of hunter education requirements): $100.00
The youth licenses are valid until the angler’s 17th birthday.
Purchasing a Florida Fishing License
You can purchase a Florida fishing license online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, through the Fish Hunt FL app, by phone using 888-FISH-FLORIDA, or in person at a licensed agent or tax collector’s office. When purchasing your license, keep in mind that in addition to the license fees listed above, the license vendor may also charge an issuance fee of $0.50. All license fees are non-refundable.
Remember, even if you catch and release, you still need a valid fishing license in Florida. There are some exemptions to the licensing requirements, such as youth under 16, Florida residents 65 and older, and those fishing from licensed piers or for-hire vessels. However, it’s always best to check the current regulations before heading out to fish.
By purchasing a fishing license, you’re supporting the conservation efforts of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and helping to sustain the state’s fish and wildlife resources for generations to come.