Do You Need a Fishing License to Fish on the Beach in Florida in 2024?

If you plan to go surf fishing in Florida in 2024, it’s important to understand the state’s fishing license requirements. Both residents and non-residents need a valid fishing license to legally fish in Florida’s saltwater and freshwater bodies, including beaches. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different types of fishing licenses available, exemptions, and how to obtain your license before hitting the beach.

Saltwater Fishing Licenses in Florida

In Florida, saltwater fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 years of age or older who wishes to fish in the state’s saltwater bodies, including beaches. The cost of a saltwater fishing license varies depending on your residency status and the type of license you choose.

For Florida residents, the options include:

Annual Saltwater Fishing License: $17.00
Youth Saltwater Fishing License (valid until 17th birthday): $17.00
Five-Year Saltwater License: $79.00
Annual Saltwater Shoreline License: Free for Florida residents who only fish from shore or a structure attached to shore

Non-residents have the following options:

Three-day Saltwater License: $17.00
Seven-day License: $30.00
Annual License: $47.00

In addition to the base saltwater fishing license, anglers may also need to purchase additional permits depending on the species they plan to target and the method of fishing. These permits include:

Annual Snook Permit: $10.00
Annual Spiny Lobster Permit: $5.00
Tarpon Tag: $51.50 (available only at tax collector offices)

It’s important to note that as of July 1, 2020, anglers age 16 and older (including those exempt from license requirements) fishing from a private boat who plan to harvest, possess, or land specific reef fish must sign up to participate in the State Reef Fish Survey by adding the State Reef Fish Angler designation to their license or customer account.

Saltwater Shoreline Fishing License

Florida residents who only fish from shore or a structure attached to shore may be eligible for a free saltwater shoreline fishing license. This license is valid for fishing from the shoreline or a structure affixed to shore but does not cover fishing from a vessel, a shoreline reached by vessel, or fishing while swimming or diving.

To qualify for the free saltwater shoreline fishing license, you must be a Florida resident and meet one of the following criteria:

Hold a valid Florida driver’s license or identification card with both a Florida address and a Florida residency verified by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV)
Have a Florida voter registration card, declaration of domicile, or homestead exemption as proof of Florida residency
Be an active duty United States military personnel stationed in Florida, including spouses and dependent children residing in the household, with military orders

If you hold a regular saltwater fishing license or any other license that includes recreational saltwater fishing privileges, you do not need a separate shoreline fishing license.

Exemptions from Saltwater Fishing Licenses

There are certain individuals who are exempt from needing a saltwater fishing license in Florida. These exemptions include:

Youth under 16 years of age
Florida residents age 65 or older with proof of age and residency, such as a Florida driver’s license or identification card
Florida residents fishing within their county of residence with live or natural bait, using poles or lines not equipped with a fishing line retrieval mechanism
Florida Resident Persons with Disabilities Hunting and Fishing License holders
Florida residents accepted as a client for developmental disabilities services by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, with agency proof thereof
Florida residents who have been determined eligible for the food stamp, temporary cash assistance, or Medicaid Program by the Department of Children and Family Services, with proof of identification and a benefit issuance or program identification card
U.S. Armed Forces members who are Florida residents not stationed in the state but home on leave with orders for 30 days or less (does not include family members)
Commercial saltwater products license holders
Those recreationally fishing from a pier that has a pier saltwater fishing license
Fishing from a for-hire vessel (including guide, charter, party boat) that has a valid charter boat or charter captain license
Fishing from a boat that has a recreational vessel fishing license

It’s important to note that even if you are exempt from needing a saltwater fishing license, you may still need to purchase additional permits depending on the species you plan to target and the method of fishing.

Obtaining Your Saltwater Fishing License

You can purchase your saltwater fishing license in several ways:

Online: Visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or use the Fish Hunt FL app
In person: Purchase from a licensed agent, tax collector’s office, or by phone using 888-FISH-FLORIDA

When purchasing your license, you may be charged an issuance fee of fifty cents in addition to the license fee. All license fees are non-refundable.

Importance of Fishing Licenses and Regulations

Obtaining a valid fishing license is not only a legal requirement but also plays a crucial role in sustaining Florida’s fish and wildlife resources. The fees collected from fishing licenses go directly to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which uses the funds to manage and protect the state’s aquatic ecosystems.

In addition to having a valid fishing license, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with Florida’s fishing regulations, which are designed to protect fish populations and ensure the sustainability of the state’s fisheries. These regulations include size limits, bag limits, and seasonal closures for various species.

By following the fishing license requirements and regulations, anglers can help ensure that Florida’s beaches and waterways remain healthy and abundant for generations to come.