Do Active Duty Military Need a Fishing License in Florida? A Comprehensive Guide for 2024

As an active duty military member stationed in Florida or a Florida resident, you may be wondering if you need a fishing license. The good news is that the state of Florida offers a special Military Gold Sportsman’s License that provides significant discounts and benefits for eligible service members. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the details of this license, who qualifies, and how to obtain it.

What is the Military Gold Sportsman’s License?

The Military Gold Sportsman’s License is a reduced-fee annual license offered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) to active duty and retired members of the United States Armed Forces, United States Armed Forces Reserve, Florida National Guard, United States Coast Guard, or United States Coast Guard Reserve who are stationed in Florida or claim Florida as their primary residence.

This license includes the following privileges:

Hunting license
Saltwater fishing license
Freshwater fishing license
Deer permit
Wildlife Management Area permit
Archery permit
Muzzle-loading gun permit
Crossbow permit
Turkey permit
Florida Waterfowl permit
Snook permit
Lobster permit

The Military Gold Sportsman’s License costs only $20 annually, a significant discount compared to the traditional $100 Gold Sportsman’s License.

Who Qualifies for the Military Gold Sportsman’s License?

To be eligible for the Military Gold Sportsman’s License, you must meet one of the following criteria:

Florida resident who is an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces, United States Armed Forces Reserve, Florida National Guard, United States Coast Guard, or United States Coast Guard Reserve
Active duty member of the United States Armed Forces, United States Armed Forces Reserve, Florida National Guard, United States Coast Guard, or United States Coast Guard Reserve stationed in Florida
Retired member of the United States Armed Forces, United States Armed Forces Reserve, Florida National Guard, United States Coast Guard, or United States Coast Guard Reserve who is a Florida resident

Non-resident active duty military members stationed in Florida are also eligible for the Military Gold Sportsman’s License.

How to Obtain the Military Gold Sportsman’s License

There are two ways to obtain the Military Gold Sportsman’s License:

Online through GoOutdoorsFlorida.com by completing an online verification process
In person at a Florida tax collector’s office with proof of residency and a current military identification card

When purchasing the license, you will need to provide the following documentation:

Current military identification card
Military orders showing you are stationed in Florida (for active duty members)
Florida driver’s license (for Florida residents)

The license expires one year from the date of purchase.

Exemptions for Active Duty Military on Leave

Florida residents who are members of the Armed Forces of the United States and are home on leave for 30 days or less are exempt from the following requirements:

Recreational hunting licenses
Freshwater fishing licenses
Saltwater fishing licenses
Florida waterfowl permit
Migratory bird permit
Deer permit
Turkey permit
Snook permit
Spiny lobster permit
Archery permit
Crossbow permit
Muzzle-loading permit
Management area permit

To qualify for this exemption, you must have authorized leave documentation stating that you are not stationed in Florida and are home on leave for 30 days or less. This documentation must be in possession when participating in these activities.

Organized Events for Military and Disabled Veterans

If you are organizing an outdoor recreational event in Florida for the enjoyment or rehabilitation of disabled veterans or active or reserve-duty service members, you can apply for a Military/Disabled Veteran Event License Exemption permit. This permit will exempt qualified event participants from hunting and fishing license requirements while participating in the event.

In conclusion, active duty military members stationed in Florida or Florida residents who are active duty or retired military have access to the Military Gold Sportsman’s License, which provides significant discounts and benefits for fishing and hunting in the state. By understanding the eligibility requirements and how to obtain the license, you can enjoy the abundant fishing and hunting opportunities Florida has to offer at a reduced cost.