As a military veteran or active service member, you may be wondering about the cost of a fishing license in Florida. The good news is that the state offers a discounted Military Gold Sportsman’s License specifically for those who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Armed Forces Reserve, Florida National Guard, Coast Guard, or Coast Guard Reserve. In this article, we’ll explore the details of this license and how you can obtain it in 2024.
The Military Gold Sportsman’s License
The Military Gold Sportsman’s License is a reduced-fee license that offers the same privileges as the traditional $100 Gold Sportsman’s License. This license is available to active duty and retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces, U.S. Armed Forces Reserve, Florida National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, or U.S. Coast Guard Reserve who are stationed in Florida or claim Florida as their primary residence.
The cost of the Military Gold Sportsman’s License is only $20 per year, which is a significant discount compared to the regular price. This license includes the following privileges:
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
It’s important to note that the Military Gold Sportsman’s License does not include tarpon tags, alligator trapping licenses, limited entry hunt permits, migratory bird permits, or the federal duck stamp.
Eligibility and Obtaining the License
To be eligible for the Military Gold Sportsman’s License, you must meet the following criteria:
Active duty military members stationed in Florida with current military orders
Florida residents who are active military members
Retired military members who are Florida residents and have a current Red or Blue Military identification card (Red cards must contain branch insignia on the face)
The Military Gold Sportsman’s License is available through two methods:
Online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com through an online verification process
At Florida tax collectors’ offices with proof of residency and a current military identification card
It’s important to note that this license is not available to family members unless they are also active duty or retired military members.
Additional Exemptions for Military Members
In addition to the discounted Military Gold Sportsman’s License, Florida also offers exemptions for certain military members:
Florida residents who are members of the Armed Forces of the United States who aren’t stationed in the state 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.
Event organizers planning outdoor recreational events for the rehabilitation or enjoyment of disabled veterans or active or reserve-duty service members can apply for a Military/Disabled Veteran Event License Exemption permit. This permit exempts qualified event participants from hunting and fishing license requirements while participating in the event.
These exemptions provide additional opportunities for military members and veterans to enjoy outdoor activities in Florida without the need for licenses or permits.
In conclusion, the Military Gold Sportsman’s License offers a cost-effective way for active duty and retired military members to enjoy fishing and hunting in Florida. With a discounted price of only $20 per year and the same privileges as the regular Gold Sportsman’s License, this license is a great option for those who qualify. Additionally, Florida offers other exemptions for military members, making it easier for them to participate in outdoor activities while stationed in the state or visiting on leave.