What Florida fishing licenses cost

A Florida resident's 3-day fishing license costs $17.00. A 7-day license is $30.00. A full-year resident license is $47.00. Non-residents pay more: $30.00 for 3 days, $47.00 for 7 days, and $64.00 for a full year. These prices cover saltwater and freshwater fishing in Florida.

If you fish only in saltwater, you can buy a saltwater-only license at the same prices. A freshwater-only license for residents costs $32.00 for the year; non-residents pay $47.00. Prices are set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and do not change within a calendar year, though they are reviewed annually.

You do not need a license if you fish from a pier, bridge, or seawall that is open to the public, or if you are under 16 years old. Residents 65 and older can buy a lifetime license for $101.50 instead of paying annually.

Key Takeaways

  • A Florida resident's year-long fishing license costs $47.00 and covers both saltwater and freshwater fishing.
  • Non-residents pay $64.00 for a full year, or $30.00 for 3 days and $47.00 for 7 days.
  • You can buy a license online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website, by phone, or at authorized vendors like bait shops and sporting goods stores.
  • Children under 16 do not need a license, and residents 65 and older can purchase a lifetime license for $101.50.
  • Fishing from public piers, bridges, and seawalls does not require a license.

Where to buy a Florida fishing license

The easiest way to buy a license is online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website at myfwc.com/license. You can purchase it when ready and print it at home or have it sent to your phone. The online system accepts credit and debit cards and takes about five minutes.

You can also buy a license by phone by calling 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA (1-888-347-4356). A staff member will process your order and mail the license to you, which takes about a week. Some licenses are available when ready by phone if you need to fish the same day.

Authorized vendors throughout Florida sell licenses in person. These include bait and tackle shops, sporting goods stores like Bass Pro Shops, and some Walmart locations. Call ahead to confirm the vendor has the license type you need in stock. Buying in person means you walk out with your license the same day.

What information you need to provide

When you buy a license, you will need a valid Florida driver's license or ID number. If you do not have a Florida ID, you can use your Social Security number instead. You will also need to provide your date of birth and current mailing address.

The system will ask whether you want to fish in saltwater, freshwater, or both. If you are unsure, choose both — it costs the same as a combined license and covers all your options. You will also declare that you understand Florida's fishing rules, which are summarized on the license itself.

How long your license lasts

A 3-day license is valid for three consecutive calendar days starting the day you buy it. A 7-day license runs for seven consecutive days. A year-long license runs from the date you buy it through the same date the following year — so if you buy it on March 15, it expires on March 15 of the next year.

Your license is valid the moment you buy it online or by phone. If you buy it in person at a vendor, it is valid when ready. You do not have to wait for anything to arrive in the mail. Keep your license with you while you fish — Florida law requires you to show it to a wildlife officer on request.

Special licenses and discounts

Florida offers a lifetime license for residents 65 and older for $101.50, which is a one-time purchase. This is the best value if you plan to fish regularly for many years. There is no lifetime option for younger residents or non-residents.

Military members on active duty can buy a resident license at resident prices if they show a military ID, even if they are stationed in Florida but not residents. Disabled veterans may be may be able to access for discounts — contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission directly to learn what documentation you need.

Florida does not offer free or reduced-price licenses based on income. However, some counties run community fishing events where licenses are not required. Check your county's parks and recreation department website to see if any are happening near you.

Rules you need to know before you fish

Your license does not limit how many fish you can catch — that is controlled by separate bag limits and size rules that vary by species and season. Florida publishes a free fishing guide that lists what you can keep, how big it has to be, and when the season is open. You can read it from myfwc.com or pick up a printed copy at any license vendor.

Some areas of Florida require special permits on top of your license. For example, fishing in certain state parks or wildlife management areas may need an additional permit. The license vendor or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website will tell you if the area where you plan to fish has extra rules.

If you fish from a boat, the boat itself needs a registration and may need a saltwater vessel permit depending on the county. These are separate from your personal fishing license. Ask at the vendor where you buy your license if you are unsure what else you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a fishing license for someone else?

Yes. You can buy a license online or by phone using someone else's information, or you can give them money to buy their own. The license must be in the name of the person who will be fishing. If you buy it as a gift, you will need their date of birth and Florida ID number or Social Security number.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a required license is a violation of Florida law. A wildlife officer can issue a citation with a fine. The amount varies but typically starts at $100 or more. It is cheaper and faster to buy a 3-day license for $17.00 than to deal with a citation.

Do I need a separate license to fish in different counties?

No. A Florida fishing license is valid statewide in all counties and all public waters. You do not need to buy a new license when you move between counties or travel to fish in a different part of the state.

Can I get a refund if I do not use my license?

Florida does not refund unused licenses. However, if you buy a license online and realize you made a mistake before you print it, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission right away — they may be able to cancel it and issue a replacement.

Is a fishing license the same as a hunting license?

No. A fishing license covers only fishing. A hunting license covers only hunting. If you want to do both, you need to buy both licenses separately. They have different costs and different rules.