If you plan to fish in the Sunshine State, you’ll need to purchase a Florida fishing license. The cost of a fishing license in Florida varies depending on your residency status, the type of fishing you plan to do, and the duration of the license. In this article, we’ll break down the different types of fishing licenses available in Florida and their associated costs for 2024.
Freshwater Fishing Licenses
A freshwater fishing license is required to take or attempt to take native or nonnative freshwater fish in Florida. The cost of a freshwater fishing license in 2024 is as follows:
Resident Annual: $17.00
Resident Five-Year: $79.00
Non-Resident Annual: $47.00
Non-Resident 3-Day: $17.00
Non-Resident 7-Day: $30.00
Florida residents can also purchase a combination license that includes both freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing for a reduced cost of $32.50 per year. If you plan to hunt in addition to fishing, you can get a combination license that includes freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, and hunting for $48.00 per year.
Saltwater Fishing Licenses
A saltwater fishing license is required to take or attempt to take saltwater fish, crabs, clams, marine plants, or other saltwater organisms in Florida. The cost of a saltwater fishing license in 2024 is as follows:
Resident Annual: $17.00
Resident Five-Year: $79.00
Non-Resident Annual: $47.00
Non-Resident 3-Day: $17.00
Non-Resident 7-Day: $30.00
Florida residents can also purchase a combination license that includes both saltwater fishing and freshwater fishing for a reduced cost of $32.50 per year. If you plan to hunt in addition to fishing, you can get a combination license that includes saltwater fishing, freshwater fishing, and hunting for $48.00 per year.
Additional Permits and Tags
In addition to a saltwater fishing license, anglers may need to purchase additional permits or tags depending on the species they plan to target:
State Reef Fish Angler Designation: Required for anglers 16 and older fishing for certain reef fish from a private vessel in Florida. Annual: $0.00
Shore-based Shark Fishing Permit: Required for anglers 16 and older taking or attempting to take sharks from shore. Annual: $0.00
Snook Permit: Required in addition to a saltwater fishing license when taking or attempting to take snook. Annual: $10.00
Spiny Lobster Permit: Required in addition to a saltwater fishing license when taking or attempting to take lobster. Annual: $5.00
Tarpon Tag: Required in addition to a saltwater fishing license when landing tarpon. Annual: $51.50
Florida residents can also purchase a Gold Sportsman’s License for $100.00 per year or $494.00 for five years. This license includes saltwater fishing, freshwater fishing, hunting, and various permits.
It’s important to note that there are some exemptions to the fishing license requirements in Florida. Children under 16, Florida residents who are 65 years of age or older, and anglers fishing from licensed piers may not need a license.
You can purchase a Florida fishing license online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, through the Fish Hunt FL app, or at various retailers such as Walmart, tax collector’s offices, and bait and tackle shops.
In conclusion, the cost of a Florida fishing license in 2024 varies depending on your residency status, the type of fishing you plan to do, and the duration of the license. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the different license options and any additional permits or tags that may be required for your fishing activities.