In 2024, both Florida residents and visitors are required to possess a Florida hunting, freshwater fishing, or saltwater fishing license when engaged in fishing and hunting activities in the state, including the Orlando area. A license is required to attempt to take fish, so even if you are catch-and-release fishing, you need a valid fishing license.
Fishing License Requirements for Florida Residents
Florida residents are required to have a fishing license for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, with some exceptions. The following individuals are exempt from needing a recreational fishing license in Florida:
Children under 16 years of age
Florida residents 65 years of age and older
Military personnel who are Florida residents and are home on leave for 30 days or less with valid orders
Florida residents fishing in saltwater from land, a structure fixed to land, a jetty, or a licensed fishing pier
Individuals fishing from a boat that has a valid vessel saltwater fishing license
Florida residents freshwater fishing in their home county with live or natural bait, using poles or hand lines without reels or line retrieval mechanisms for non-commercial purposes (this does not apply in Fish Management Areas)
Persons hunting or fishing on their homestead or the homestead of their spouse or minor child in their county of residence
Senior citizens aged 65 and older who are Florida residents may carry proof of age and residency, such as a driver’s license, voter registration card, or Florida ID card that is at least 6 months old, in lieu of a sport fishing license.
Disabled Florida residents may obtain a resident disability hunting and fishing license, which authorizes the holder to take or attempt to take or possess freshwater fish, marine fish, and game consistent with state and federal regulations.
Fishing License Requirements for Visitors to Florida
Non-residents who are 16 years of age or older are required to have Florida fishing licenses to participate in freshwater and saltwater fishing in the state, including in the Orlando area. Out-of-state fishing licenses are not valid in Florida.
The following non-residents do not need a recreational fishing license in Florida:
Children under 16 years of age
Individuals fishing from a for-hire vessel (guide, charter, party boat) that has a valid charter license
Individuals fishing from a vessel whose operator has a valid recreational saltwater vessel license issued in the operator’s name
Individuals fishing during a free saltwater fishing day
Individuals fishing from a pier with a valid saltwater pier license
Individuals with a valid saltwater products license or FWC charter captain license (does not apply to a charter boat license or U.S. Coast Guard license)
However, these exceptions do not apply to tarpon tags.
Visitors with disabilities do not meet the criteria to receive a no-cost Persons with Disabilities Resident Hunt/Fish license, as that license is an economic accommodation for Florida residents with disabilities who may not be able to afford the license.
Types of Fishing Licenses and Fees in Florida
There are various types of fishing licenses available in Florida for both residents and non-residents, depending on the activities you plan to engage in. License fees for 2024 are as follows:
Residents:
Annual Freshwater Fishing License: $17.00
5-year Freshwater Fishing License: $79.00
Annual Saltwater Fishing License: $17.00
5-year Saltwater Fishing License: $79.00
Resident Gold Sportsman (includes hunting, freshwater & saltwater fishing, fishing management area, turkey permit, Florida waterfowl, archery, muzzle loading, snook and crawfish permits): $100.00
Resident Sportsman (includes all except Saltwater fishing, Federal Duck Stamp and trapping migratory bird): $80.50
Non-residents:
Annual Freshwater Fishing License: $47.00
3-day Freshwater Fishing License: $17.00
Annual Saltwater Fishing License: $47.00
3-day Saltwater Fishing License: $17.00
7-day Saltwater Fishing License: $30.00
Non-Resident Hunting License: $151.50
Non-Resident 10-day Hunting License: $46.50
In addition to the license fees, a vendor may charge an issuance fee of fifty cents. All license fees are non-refundable.
You can purchase a fishing license online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, through the Fish Hunt FL app, in person at a licensed agent or tax collector’s office, or by phone using 888-FISH-FLORIDA.
Remember, Florida has its own set of fishing laws and regulations that need to be followed to protect the state’s fish populations. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the freshwater and saltwater fishing regulations before heading out.
Responsible fishing starts with you. Learn how you can protect Florida’s aquatic natural resources by following fishing regulations, practicing catch-and-release techniques, and supporting conservation efforts.