You can get a Florida fishing license online, by phone, or in person—and most people finish in under 10 minutes

Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issues fishing licenses through three routes: the FWC website, by calling 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356), or at any county tax collector's office or authorized vendor like bait shops and sporting goods stores. The online route is fastest and available 24 hours a day. You'll need a valid ID, your Social Security number, and a payment method. Most licenses arrive by email when ready; a physical card comes by mail in 7 to 10 days.

The type of license you need depends on where you fish and whether you're a Florida resident. A resident saltwater license costs less than a non-resident one. Freshwater licenses are separate. If you fish in both, you can buy a combined license. Some people don't need a license at all—children under 16, for example, or anyone fishing from a pier that has a blanket license.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida residents pay one price for a saltwater license, non-residents pay more, and freshwater licenses are a separate purchase or can be combined into one license.
  • You can buy online at myfwc.com/license, by phone at 888-347-4356, or in person at any county tax collector's office or bait shop.
  • You need a valid ID, your Social Security number, and a payment method; the license arrives by email the same day or by mail in 7 to 10 days.
  • Children under 16 do not need a license, and anyone fishing from a public pier with a blanket license does not need an individual one.
  • Licenses expire on different dates depending on the type—some run by calendar year, others by your purchase date—so check your renewal date when you buy.

Resident vs. Non-Resident License Costs and Types

Florida divides licenses by residency status and by water type. A resident saltwater license (for ocean, bay, and gulf fishing) costs less than a non-resident one. A resident freshwater license (for lakes, rivers, and ponds) is a separate purchase at a different price. You can buy a resident combination license that covers both saltwater and freshwater in one transaction, which is often cheaper than buying them separately.

Non-residents pay a higher rate for each type. The FWC website shows current prices for each license type when you start the purchase process—prices do change, so do not rely on a price you saw months ago. If you fish only occasionally, the FWC also offers 3-day and 7-day temporary licenses at lower cost than an annual license.

How to Buy Online at myfwc.com/license

Go to myfwc.com/license and select "Purchase a License." Choose your residency status (resident or non-resident), then select the license type you need: saltwater only, freshwater only, or combination. The site will ask for your date of birth, Social Security number, and a valid ID number (driver's license or state ID). You'll also provide your email address and choose a payment method—credit card, debit card, or electronic check.

After you pay, the FWC sends a temporary license to your email when ready. This temporary license is valid right away and works for fishing. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You do not have to wait for the physical card to fish legally—the email receipt is proof of purchase.

Buying by Phone or In Person

Call 888-347-4356 to speak with an FWC representative. Have your ID number, Social Security number, and payment method ready. The representative will walk you through the same questions as the website and process your payment over the phone. Your temporary license arrives by email, and your physical card comes by mail.

You can also visit any county tax collector's office or an authorized vendor—bait and tackle shops, sporting goods stores, and some Walmart locations sell licenses. Bring your ID and Social Security number. The vendor will print your license on the spot, and you can fish when ready. This route is useful if you need a license the same day and do not want to wait for mail delivery.

Who Does Not Need a License

Florida law exempts certain people from needing a license. Anyone under 16 can fish without one. Residents 65 and older can fish saltwater without a license (but still need a freshwater license if they fish in lakes or rivers). Florida residents on active military duty do not need a license.

You also do not need an individual license if you fish from a public pier that has a blanket license—the pier's license covers all anglers on it. Some charter boats and party boats carry blanket licenses too, so ask the captain before you board. If you are unsure whether your situation is exempt, call 888-347-4356 and describe where and how you plan to fish.

License Expiration and Renewal

Expiration dates vary by license type. Resident saltwater licenses expire on June 30 each year. Resident freshwater licenses expire on June 30 as well. Non-resident licenses expire one year from the date you buy them. The FWC sends renewal notices by mail about 30 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice—you can renew online, by phone, or in person using the same methods you used to buy your first license.

If your license expires while you are fishing, stop fishing when ready. Fishing with an expired license can result in a citation. Set a phone reminder for late May or early June if you are a resident, so you do not forget to renew before the June 30 important date.

What to Do If You Lose Your License or Need a Replacement

If your physical license card is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement through the FWC website or by calling 888-347-4356. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and the license number if you have it. The FWC will mail a replacement card at no extra charge, though it takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive.

Until the replacement arrives, your temporary license email is still valid proof that you own a current license. Print it or show it on your phone if a wildlife officer asks. You do not need to buy a new license—a replacement is free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need both a saltwater and freshwater license if I fish in both?

You can buy them separately or as a combination license, which is usually cheaper. The combination license covers both saltwater and freshwater fishing in one purchase. Choose whichever option costs less when you buy.

Can I fish the same day I buy my license online?

Yes. The FWC emails your temporary license when ready after payment. That email is valid proof of purchase and lets you fish right away. You do not have to wait for the physical card to arrive by mail.

What if I buy a license and then decide not to fish?

Florida does not offer refunds on fishing licenses once they are issued. If you change your mind, you cannot get your money back. Make sure you need the license before you buy it.

Can I buy a license for someone else as a gift?

No. A license is tied to the person's name, date of birth, and Social Security number. The person who will fish must buy their own license or be present when someone buys it for them in person at a vendor.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a valid license is a violation. A wildlife officer can issue a citation, which carries a fine. The amount varies depending on the circumstances. If you are unsure whether you need a license, call 888-347-4356 before you fish.