What You Pay for a Florida Fishing License

A Florida recreational fishing license costs $17 for a three-day license, $32 for a seven-day license, or $47 for a full year. These prices are for saltwater or freshwater fishing — the cost is the same whether you fish in the ocean, a bay, or a lake. If you fish in both saltwater and freshwater during the same year, you need only one license; it covers both.

Prices can change annually. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) sets these fees, and they have adjusted them in recent years. Before you buy, check the FWC website or call 888-FISH-FLORIDA to confirm the current price, especially if you are buying a license more than a few months from now.

You do not need a license if you fish from a public pier, fish in a private pond on private land with the owner's permission, or take part in a licensed charter boat trip where the captain holds the license. Children under 16 fish free in Florida without a license.

Key Takeaways

  • A one-year Florida fishing license costs $47 and covers both saltwater and freshwater fishing.
  • Short-term licenses are available for $17 (three days) or $32 (seven days) if you do not fish year-round.
  • You can buy a license online through the FWC website, by phone, or at bait-and-tackle shops and sporting goods retailers.
  • Children under 16 do not need a license, and you do not need one if you fish from a public pier or a licensed charter boat.
  • Prices set by the FWC can change each year, so confirm the current cost before you purchase.

Where to Buy Your License

The easiest way to buy a Florida fishing license is online through the FWC website at myfwc.com/license. You can purchase any license type — three-day, seven-day, or annual — and print it when ready or have it sent to your email. The online process takes about five minutes and requires your name, address, and date of birth.

If you prefer to buy in person, you can visit any bait-and-tackle shop, sporting goods store, or Florida Fish and Wildlife office. Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, and Dick's Sporting Goods also sell Florida licenses. You will need your ID and the same personal information as the online process.

You can also call the FWC at 888-FISH-FLORIDA to buy a license over the phone. Have your payment method ready — they accept credit and debit cards. The phone line is open during business hours, and a license purchased this way is mailed to you.

Who Needs a License and Who Does Not

Anyone 16 or older who fishes in Florida waters — whether saltwater or freshwater — needs a license. This applies whether you own a boat, fish from shore, or fish from a dock. The only exceptions are fishing from a public pier, fishing in a private pond on private property with the owner's permission, and fishing aboard a licensed charter boat where the captain holds the license.

Florida residents and non-residents pay the same price. There is no discount for state residency. Military members on active duty stationed in Florida can buy a discounted license for $17 per year if they show a valid military ID.

If you hold a Florida hunting license, you do not automatically get a fishing license — you must buy them separately.

How Long Your License Lasts

A three-day license is valid for three consecutive calendar days starting the day you buy it. A seven-day license runs for seven consecutive calendar days. An annual license runs from the date you purchase it for exactly one year — so if you buy it on March 15, it expires on March 15 the following year.

You do not have to use your license when ready. You can buy an annual license in January and not fish until June; it will still be valid for a full year from the purchase date. Short-term licenses, however, begin counting down the moment you buy them, even if you do not fish that day.

What Your License Covers

A single Florida fishing license covers both saltwater and freshwater fishing. You can fish in the ocean, bays, rivers, lakes, and ponds with the same license. You do not need separate licenses for different water types.

Your license does not cover spearfishing, lobstering, or crabbing — those require separate permits or licenses. It also does not cover commercial fishing. If you plan to keep lobster or crab, you will need to buy an additional permit through the FWC.

The license itself does not may provide you can keep every fish you catch. Florida has bag limits and size restrictions on many species. A snook, for example, has a one-fish daily bag limit and must be between 28 and 33 inches. Check the FWC's current fishing regulations before you go out, because these rules change seasonally.

Replacing a Lost or Damaged License

If you lose your printed license or it gets damaged, you can buy a replacement through the FWC website or by phone. The replacement costs the same as the original license — there is no separate fee. You will need to provide your name and the original purchase date.

If you bought your license online and have the email confirmation, you can print a new copy at home at no cost. If you bought it in person and do not have the printed copy, contact the FWC to request a duplicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a Florida fishing license if I do not live in Florida?

Yes. Non-residents pay the same price as Florida residents — $47 for an annual license, $32 for seven days, or $17 for three days. You can buy online, by phone, or in person at any authorized retailer.

Do I need a separate license for saltwater and freshwater fishing?

No. One Florida fishing license covers both saltwater and freshwater. You do not need to buy two licenses or pay extra to fish in different water types.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a valid license is a violation of Florida law. Penalties include fines, which can range from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on the circumstances. The FWC enforces this through officers who patrol fishing areas.

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 name and information, then print it or have it mailed to them. In person, the person receiving the license typically needs to be present with ID, but policies vary by retailer — call ahead to confirm.

Is there a discount for seniors or disabled people?

Florida does not offer a reduced-price fishing license based on age or disability status. All non-military residents and non-residents pay the standard rate. Military members on active duty in Florida receive a discounted annual license for $17.