As a veteran, you may be wondering if you can enjoy fishing in Florida without the added expense of a license. The good news is that the Sunshine State offers several discounts and exemptions for military members and veterans when it comes to hunting and fishing licenses. In this article, we’ll explore the various options available to you in 2024.
Military Gold Sportsman’s License
One of the most popular options for active-duty and retired military members in Florida is the Military Gold Sportsman’s License. This reduced-fee license, which costs only $20 annually, offers the same privileges as the traditional $100 Gold Sportsman’s License. The Military Gold Sportsman’s License includes the Hunting, Saltwater Fishing, and Freshwater Fishing licenses, as well as the Deer, Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Turkey, Florida Waterfowl, Snook, and Lobster permits.
To be eligible for this license, you must be an active-duty or retired member of the United States Armed Forces, the United States Armed Forces Reserve, the Florida National Guard, the United States Coast Guard, or the United States Coast Guard Reserve, and either stationed in Florida or claim Florida as your primary residence.
The Military Gold Sportsman’s License is available online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com through an online verification process, or at Florida tax collectors’ offices with proof of residency and a current military identification card.
Free Hunting and Fishing License for 100% Disabled Veterans
If you are a 100% permanently and totally disabled service-connected veteran, you may be entitled to a free five-year hunting and fishing license in Florida. To apply for this license, you can visit the GoOutdoorsFlorida.com website or visit your local Tax Collector’s Office.
When applying at a Tax Collector’s Office, you will need to provide proof of residency and qualifying disability documents. It’s best to contact your local Tax Collector’s Office in advance to ensure they are prepared to process these applications.
Military/Disabled Veteran Event License Exemption Permit
If you are an organizer planning an outdoor recreational event in Florida for the enjoyment or rehabilitation of disabled veterans or active or reserve-duty service members, you may be able to apply for a Military/Disabled Veteran Event License Exemption permit.
This permit, issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), exempts qualified event participants from hunting and fishing license requirements while participating in the event. To apply for this permit, you must submit an application at least 10 days in advance of the scheduled event date.
It’s important to note that this permit is issued only to the event organizer and is valid only for the duration of the event. It does not exempt individual Military/Disabled Veteran participants from hunting and fishing license requirements when participating in activities outside of the permitted event.
Additional Benefits for Florida Veterans
In addition to discounts on hunting and fishing licenses, Florida offers several other benefits for veterans, including:
- 25% discount on annual passes to all state parks for honorably discharged veterans
- Free military entrance pass to all Florida State Parks for veterans with a service-connected disability
- 50% discount on campsites for Florida residents who are at least 65 years old or have a 100% disability
- Free or reduced entrance fees to county and municipal parks for current military members, honorably discharged or disabled veterans, and their spouses
To take advantage of these benefits, you may need to provide proof of identification, service-connected disability, and honorable discharge, such as a valid driver’s license, documentation from the Department of Defense or another appropriate agency, or your DD Form 214.
In conclusion, Florida offers several options for veterans and military members to enjoy fishing and hunting at discounted or no cost. Whether you’re an active-duty service member, a retired veteran, or a 100% disabled veteran, there are opportunities available to you in 2024. Be sure to check the specific requirements and documentation needed for each benefit, and enjoy the great outdoors in the Sunshine State!