As a Florida resident over the age of 65, you may be wondering if you need a fishing license to enjoy the state’s abundant fishing opportunities in 2024. The good news is that Florida residents age 65 and older are exempt from purchasing recreational fishing licenses, whether for saltwater or freshwater fishing. However, there are a few important details to keep in mind.
Proof of Age and Residency
While Florida residents age 65 and older do not need to purchase a fishing license, they must still provide proof of age and residency when asked. A valid Florida Driver License or Identification Card is sufficient to demonstrate both age and residency. If you do not have a Florida Driver License or ID, you can obtain a free Resident 65 Hunt/Fish Certificate from your county tax collector’s office or online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
Exemptions and Limitations
It’s important to note that the fishing license exemption for Florida residents over 65 does not apply to the federal duck stamp requirement for waterfowl hunting. If you plan to hunt ducks, you will still need to purchase a federal duck stamp, even if you are exempt from the state hunting license.
Additionally, while you are exempt from the fishing license requirement, you must still follow all other fishing regulations, such as size and bag limits, closed seasons, and gear restrictions. It’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the current regulations before heading out to fish.
Where to Fish
As a Florida resident over 65, you can fish in both saltwater and freshwater without a license. This includes fishing from shore, piers, bridges, and boats. However, if you plan to fish from a boat, make sure the boat owner or operator has a valid recreational saltwater vessel license if fishing in saltwater, or a freshwater fishing license if fishing in freshwater.
If you are fishing from a for-hire vessel, such as a charter boat or party boat, the vessel’s captain should have the appropriate license, which covers the anglers on board. However, it’s always a good idea to confirm with the captain before booking a trip.
Fishing License Exemptions for Other Groups
In addition to Florida residents over 65, there are a few other groups that are exempt from purchasing fishing licenses in 2024:
- Children under 16 years of age
- Florida residents who are members of the U.S. Armed Forces and are not stationed in the state, but are home on leave for 30 days or less
- Florida residents who are certified as totally and permanently disabled and possess a Florida Resident Disabled Person’s Hunting and Fishing License
- Individuals fishing from a pier with a valid saltwater pier license
- Individuals fishing from a vessel with a valid recreational saltwater vessel license
It’s important to note that these exemptions may have additional requirements or limitations, so it’s always a good idea to check with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) before heading out to fish.
Purchasing a Fishing License
If you are not exempt from purchasing a fishing license, you can do so online through the FWC website or mobile app, at county tax collector offices, or at many retail outlets that sell fishing and hunting licenses. Licenses are available for various durations, including one-day, three-day, seven-day, annual, and five-year options.
The cost of a fishing license varies depending on your residency status and the type of license you purchase. For example, in 2024, a Florida resident can purchase an annual freshwater fishing license for $17, while a non-resident will pay $47 for the same license. Combo licenses that cover both saltwater and freshwater fishing are also available for Florida residents.
By purchasing a fishing license, you are not only supporting the conservation efforts of the FWC but also helping to ensure that Florida’s fisheries remain healthy and abundant for generations to come.