Do Florida Residents 65 Need a Fishing License in 2024?

As a Florida resident age 65 or older, you may be wondering if you need a fishing license to enjoy the state’s abundant fishing opportunities. The good news is that Florida residents age 65 and up are exempt from needing a recreational hunting, freshwater fishing, or saltwater fishing license, as well as several related permits, as long as you possess proof of age and residency.

Exemptions for Florida Residents 65 and Older

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida residents age 65 or older are exempt from needing the following licenses and permits:

Recreational hunting license
Freshwater fishing license
Saltwater fishing license
Florida waterfowl permit
Migratory bird permit
Deer permit
Turkey permit
Snook permit
Spiny lobster permit
Archery season permit
Crossbow season permit
Muzzleloading season permit
Management area permit

To qualify for these exemptions, you must possess proof of age and residency, such as a valid Florida driver’s license or ID card. Alternatively, you can obtain a no-cost Resident 65 Hunt/Fish Certificate online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or at your county tax collector’s office.

It’s important to note that these exemptions do not apply to the federal duck stamp requirement.

Saltwater Fishing Exemptions

In addition to the general fishing license exemptions, Florida residents age 65 and older who are fishing for saltwater species have some additional exemptions:

You can fish from shore or a structure fixed to land without needing a license.
You can fish from a vessel without needing a license, as long as the vessel’s operator has a valid recreational saltwater vessel license.
You can fish from a pier without needing a license, as long as the pier has a valid saltwater pier license.

However, you will need a license if you are fishing from a vessel that does not have a valid recreational saltwater vessel license, or if you are swimming or diving while fishing.

Freshwater Fishing Exemptions

For freshwater fishing, Florida residents age 65 and older have a few additional exemptions:

You can fish in your county of residence on your homestead or the homestead of your spouse or minor child without needing a license.
You can fish as a minor child on the homestead of your parent without needing a license.

These exemptions apply to fishing in your home county only and do not include fishing in fish management areas.

Other Fishing Exemptions in Florida

In addition to the exemptions for seniors, there are a few other situations where a fishing license is not required in Florida:

Children under 16 years of age (also exempt from federal duck stamp requirements)
Florida residents certified as totally and permanently disabled who possess a Florida Resident Disabled Person’s Hunting and Fishing License
Florida residents who are members of the Armed Forces of the United States, who are not stationed in this state and home on leave for 30 days or less, upon submission of orders
Those fishing in a fish pond of 20 acres or less, which is located entirely within the private property of its owner
Those fishing in a fish pond of 20 acres or more, whose owner has purchased a fish pond license
Those fishing during designated Free Fishing Weekends (the first weekend of April and the second weekend in June)

So in summary, if you are a Florida resident age 65 or older, you can enjoy fishing in the Sunshine State without needing to purchase a license or permit, as long as you have proof of age and residency. This exemption applies to both freshwater and saltwater fishing, with some additional exemptions for fishing from shore or a vessel. Just remember to bring your proof of eligibility with you when you go fishing!