As a veteran, you may be eligible for discounts on fishing licenses in Florida. The state offers several programs to show appreciation for the service and sacrifice of military members and veterans. In this article, we’ll explore the various discounts and exemptions available for veterans looking to enjoy Florida’s abundant fishing opportunities.
Military Gold Sportsman’s License
One of the most significant discounts for veterans in Florida is the Military Gold Sportsman’s License. This reduced-fee license, costing just $20 annually, is available to active duty and retired members of the United States Armed Forces, United States Armed Forces Reserve, Florida National Guard, United States Coast Guard, or United States Coast Guard Reserve who are stationed in Florida or claim Florida as their primary residence.
The Military Gold Sportsman’s License includes a wide range of privileges, such as:
Hunting license
Saltwater fishing license
Freshwater fishing license
Deer permit
Wildlife Management Area permit
Archery permit
Muzzleloading Gun permit
Crossbow permit
Turkey permit
Florida Waterfowl permit
Snook permit
Lobster permit
To obtain this license, eligible veterans can visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com and complete an online verification process, or they can visit a Florida tax collector’s office with proof of residency and a current military identification card.
Exemption for Florida Residents on Leave
Florida residents who are members of the Armed Forces of the United States and are home on leave for 30 days or less are exempt from recreational hunting, freshwater fishing, or saltwater fishing licenses, as well as Florida waterfowl, migratory bird, deer, turkey, snook, spiny lobster, archery, crossbow, muzzle loading, and management area permit requirements.
To qualify for this exemption, veterans must present authorized leave documentation stating that they are not stationed in Florida and are home on leave for 30 days or less. This documentation must be in possession when participating in these activities.
Exemption for Disabled Veterans
Florida residents who are certified as 100% totally and permanently disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and those who carry a disabled veteran ID card can enjoy the benefit of having no fees for hunting, saltwater fishing, and freshwater fishing licenses for life.
To obtain this exemption, veterans must provide proof of their disability status and residency in Florida.
Military/Disabled Veteran Event License Exemption Permit
If you’re organizing an outdoor recreational event in Florida for the enjoyment or rehabilitation of disabled veterans or active or reserve-duty service members, you can apply for a Military/Disabled Veteran Event License Exemption permit.
This permit will exempt qualified event participants from hunting and fishing license requirements while participating in the event. Eligible participants include:
Resident and non-resident disabled veterans or active or reserve duty service members
Their immediate family members
One person designated to assist each disabled veteran
The permit authorizes qualified event participants to hunt and fish without recreational hunting, freshwater fishing, or saltwater fishing licenses or certain permits during the dates specified on the event permit.
To apply for this permit, the event organizer must submit an application at least 10 days in advance of the scheduled event date.
Proposed Legislation for Additional Discounts
In November 2021, Florida House Representative Matt Willhite filed legislation (HB 683) to provide military service members and veterans with additional discounts on hunting and fishing licenses.
If passed, this bill would give active military and honorably discharged veterans free hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing licenses or permits in Florida. Additionally, active military or veterans who live outside of Florida would be eligible to receive a 50% discount on these licenses and permits when visiting the state.
While this legislation has not yet been enacted as of June 2024, it demonstrates Florida’s ongoing efforts to support and appreciate its military members and veterans.
In conclusion, Florida offers several discounts and exemptions for veterans looking to enjoy fishing in the state. From the Military Gold Sportsman’s License to exemptions for disabled veterans and those on leave, there are various ways for veterans to save money on their fishing licenses. Additionally, proposed legislation aims to provide even more benefits for active military and veterans in the future.