As a Florida resident age 65 or older, you may be wondering if you need to purchase a fishing license in 2024. The good news is that you are exempt from needing a recreational hunting, freshwater fishing, or saltwater fishing license, as well as several other permits, as long as you possess proof of age and residency.
Proof of Age and Residency
To be exempt from needing a fishing license, you must have proof of your age and residency. This can be done in one of two ways:
- Possessing a valid Florida driver’s license or ID card that shows you are 65 or older and a Florida resident
- Obtaining a free Resident 65 Hunt/Fish Certificate from your county tax collector’s office or online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com
With either of these forms of identification, you can fish in Florida’s freshwater and saltwater without needing to purchase a license.
Exemptions and Limitations
While you are exempt from needing a fishing license, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- You still need to purchase a federal duck stamp to hunt waterfowl
- You must follow all other fishing regulations, such as size and bag limits
- If you fish from a boat, the boat must have a valid recreational saltwater vessel license or be operated by someone with a valid charter license
Additionally, there are a few specific situations where you would need a license, even as a senior citizen:
- If you are fishing in a fish management area
- If you are fishing for mullet in freshwater and do not have a valid freshwater fishing license
- If you are fishing from a vessel or while swimming or diving in saltwater
Obtaining a License
If you do need to purchase a fishing license, you have a few options:
- Online at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website or through the FishHuntFL app
- By phone at 1-888-347-4356
- In person at many retail locations throughout the state, such as Walmart Supercenter or Bass Pro Shops
Licenses can be purchased for various time periods, including one day, seven days, or an entire year.
Conclusion
As a Florida resident age 65 or older, you are generally exempt from needing a fishing license in 2024, as long as you have proof of your age and residency. However, it’s important to be aware of the limitations and specific situations where a license may still be required. By understanding the rules and regulations, you can enjoy fishing in Florida’s beautiful waters without worrying about the cost of a license.