Can Out-of-State Visitors Buy a Florida Fishing License in 2024?

As an out-of-state visitor to Florida in 2024, you may be wondering if you need a fishing license to cast a line in the Sunshine State’s abundant waters. The answer is yes, with a few exceptions. Non-residents who are 16 years of age or older are required to have Florida licenses and permits to participate in hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing.

Types of Florida Fishing Licenses for Non-Residents

Florida offers several options for non-resident fishing licenses, depending on your needs:

3-Day Freshwater: $17
7-Day Freshwater: $30
Annual Freshwater: $47
3-Day Saltwater: $17
7-Day Saltwater: $30
Annual Saltwater: $47

These licenses cover fishing in both freshwater and saltwater, but there are some exceptions. For example, you don’t need a saltwater fishing license if you fish from a for-hire vessel (guide, charter, party boat) that has a valid charter license, or if you fish from a pier with a valid saltwater pier license.

How to Purchase a Florida Fishing License as a Non-Resident

There are several convenient ways to purchase your Florida fishing license as a non-resident in 2024:

Online: You can buy a fishing license online at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website or through the FishHuntFL app.
Phone: Call the toll-free number 1-888-347-4356 (1-888-FISH-FLO) to purchase your license over the phone.
In-Person: Florida fishing licenses are available at many retail locations throughout the state, including bait and tackle shops, sporting goods stores, gun shops, and department stores like Walmart and Bass Pro Shops.

Keep in mind that there may be additional fees for online or phone purchases, such as a handling fee of $2.25 or $1.75 plus a 2.95% surcharge of the total sale for online purchases, and $6.25 plus a 2.95% surcharge per person for phone purchases.

Exceptions to the Florida Fishing License Requirement

While most non-residents need a Florida fishing license, there are a few exceptions:

Children under 16: Kids under the age of 16 do not need a recreational license or permit to fish in Florida.
Free Fishing Days: Florida offers several free saltwater fishing days throughout the year, where no license is required.
Fishing from a Licensed Vessel: If you fish from a vessel whose operator has a valid recreational saltwater vessel license, or from a for-hire vessel with a valid charter license, you don’t need a separate saltwater fishing license.

It’s important to note that these exceptions do not apply to tarpon tags, which are required for fishing for this species in Florida.

In conclusion, as an out-of-state visitor to Florida in 2024, you will need to purchase a non-resident fishing license to enjoy the state’s world-class fishing opportunities, with a few exceptions. By following the regulations and purchasing your license through one of the convenient methods available, you can help support Florida’s fish and wildlife conservation efforts while making the most of your fishing adventure in the Sunshine State.