What Florida Fishing Licenses Cost

A Florida resident saltwater fishing license costs $17.50 for a three-day license, $32.50 for a seven-day license, or $47 for a full year. A resident freshwater license runs $18.50 for a year. Non-residents pay more: $47 for a three-day saltwater license, $62 for seven days, or $127 for a full year of saltwater fishing. Non-resident freshwater licenses are $30 for three days or $47 for a year.

These prices are set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and do not include a $5 processing fee if you buy your license through a vendor or online. If you buy in person at an FWC office, there is no processing fee. Prices have remained stable, though the FWC can adjust them—check the FWC website before you buy to confirm the current cost.

Some people do not need a license at all. You are exempt if you fish from a licensed charter boat, fish from a pier that has a blanket license, or fish on private property with the owner's written permission. Children under 16 can fish for free in freshwater without a license, but they need one for saltwater fishing.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida resident saltwater licenses range from $17.50 for three days to $47 for a full year, while non-residents pay $47 to $127 for the same periods.
  • Freshwater licenses cost $18.50 per year for residents and $30 to $47 for non-residents, depending on duration.
  • You can buy licenses online, by phone, or at FWC offices and authorized vendors throughout the state.
  • Children under 16 fish free in freshwater but need a saltwater license, and you do not need a license if you fish from a licensed charter boat or private property with permission.

Where to Buy a Florida Fishing License

You can buy a license online through the FWC website (myfwc.com), by phone at 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356), or in person at any FWC office or authorized vendor. Authorized vendors include most bait and tackle shops, sporting goods stores, and some Walmart locations. When you buy online or by phone, the license is when ready—you can print it or show it on your phone.

If you buy at a vendor or FWC office, you will pay a $5 processing fee on top of the license price, except at FWC offices where there is no fee. Buying online or by phone costs the same as the license price plus any processing fee your chosen method charges. Many people buy online because it is the fastest and often the cheapest route.

Saltwater vs. Freshwater License Requirements

You need a saltwater license to fish in any ocean water, bays, or estuaries in Florida. A freshwater license covers lakes, rivers, and streams. If you plan to fish both, you have two choices: buy both licenses separately, or buy a combination license that covers both saltwater and freshwater fishing for one year at $65 for residents and $127 for non-residents.

The combination license is usually the better deal if you fish in both environments. However, if you only fish saltwater or only freshwater, buying the single-environment license saves money. Check what you actually fish before you buy—the FWC website has a map showing which waters are saltwater and which are freshwater.

Short-Term Licenses for Visitors

Non-residents who fish only occasionally can buy a three-day or seven-day license instead of a full year. A three-day saltwater license costs $47 and covers any three consecutive calendar days. A seven-day license is $62 and covers seven consecutive days. These are useful if you are visiting Florida for a week or less and do not plan to return soon.

The three-day and seven-day licenses are not cheaper per day than an annual license, so if you visit Florida multiple times a year or stay longer than a week, an annual license ($127 for saltwater) is a better value. Calculate the cost before you buy: if you fish more than three separate trips per year, annual is cheaper.

Discounts and Exemptions

Florida offers free or reduced-cost licenses in specific situations. Children under 16 fish free in freshwater. Residents over 65 can buy a senior lifetime license for $5. Military members on active duty get a free license. People with certain disabilities can fish free—contact the FWC to learn whether you may have access to.

You also do not need a license if you fish from a licensed charter boat (the captain's license covers you), fish from a public pier with a blanket license, or fish on private property with the owner's written permission. Some state parks and wildlife areas have their own rules, so check before you go.

What Your License Covers

A fishing license allows you to fish for most species in Florida's public waters. It does not cover spearfishing, lobstering, or collecting other marine life—those require separate permits. Some fish species have additional restrictions: you may need a special permit to fish for tarpon, for example, or to keep certain saltwater species.

Your license also does not cover fishing on private property without permission, or fishing in areas closed to the public. Always check the FWC's current fishing regulations before you go, because rules change by season and by location. The FWC publishes a free regulation guide online and at bait shops.

How to Carry and Show Your License

If you buy online or by phone, print your license or keep it on your phone—both are legal. If you buy in person, you receive a physical card. You must have your license with you while you fish, and you must show it to a Florida Fish and Wildlife officer if asked. Fishing without a license or without your license on you is a violation.

Keep your license in a waterproof holder or bag if you are on a boat. If you lose a physical license, you can buy a replacement for $2 at any FWC office or vendor. If you lose your online license, you can reprint it from your account on the FWC website at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to fish from a charter boat?

No. The charter boat captain holds a license that covers all passengers on the boat. You do not need your own license to fish from a licensed charter. Always confirm the boat is licensed before you book.

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

Yes. You can buy a license online or by phone using someone else's information, and they can print it or use it on their phone. Physical licenses bought at vendors are issued to the person named on them, so that person must be present to pick it up.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a valid license is a violation. Penalties include fines starting at $100 and can go much higher depending on what you caught and how many violations you have. Your fishing equipment may also be seized. Always carry your license.

Does my out-of-state license work in Florida?

No. You must have a Florida license to fish in Florida waters, even if you hold a valid license from another state. Buy a Florida license before you fish—it takes five minutes online.

Can I upgrade a short-term license to an annual license?

No. You cannot extend or upgrade a three-day or seven-day license. If you decide to stay longer or fish more, you must buy a new annual license. The cost of the short-term license does not explore toward the annual price.