Buy your Florida fishing license online, by phone, or in person at a retail location

You can purchase a Florida fishing license through three main routes: the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website, by calling the FWC directly, or at authorized retailers across the state. The online route is fastest — you can buy and print your license the same day. Phone and in-person purchases take longer but work if you need help or prefer not to use a computer.

Florida requires a saltwater or freshwater license depending on where you fish. You also need to decide whether you want a 3-day, 7-day, or annual license. The price varies by license type and how long you want it to last. Residents and non-residents pay different amounts, and some people may have access to for exemptions or reduced-cost licenses.

Key Takeaways

  • The FWC website (GoOutdoorsFlorida.com) lets you buy and print a license when ready without leaving home.
  • You can also call the FWC at 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356) during business hours to purchase over the phone.
  • Authorized retailers including Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, and local bait-and-tackle shops sell licenses in person.
  • You must choose between a saltwater license (for ocean and coastal areas) and a freshwater license (for lakes and rivers).
  • Florida residents pay less than non-residents, and some groups including seniors and military members may pay reduced rates.

Buying online through the FWC website

The FWC's official licensing website is GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Go to the "Saltwater Licenses" or "Freshwater Licenses" section depending on where you plan to fish. You will enter your name, address, date of birth, and Florida driver's license or ID number. Non-residents will need to provide an out-of-state ID number instead.

Select your license type (3-day, 7-day, or annual) and pay by credit or debit card. The system will generate a PDF license that you can print when ready or save to your phone. You must carry the printed license or have it available on your phone while fishing. The entire process takes about five minutes.

If you do not have a printer, you can still buy online and show the digital copy on your phone to a wildlife officer. Some people take a screenshot to make sure they have it even if their phone loses signal.

Calling the FWC to purchase by phone

Call the FWC at 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356) to buy a license over the phone. Have your Florida ID number or out-of-state ID number ready, along with a credit or debit card. A representative will walk you through the license type options and process your payment.

After you purchase, the FWC will mail your license to the address on file. This takes about one to two weeks. If you need to fish before the license arrives, ask the representative whether you can print a temporary receipt that counts as proof while you wait for the physical license.

Phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or mid-week.

Buying in person at authorized retailers

You can walk into any authorized retailer and buy a license on the spot. Common retailers include Walmart, Target, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, and local bait-and-tackle shops. Bring your Florida ID or out-of-state ID and a credit or debit card. The retailer will print your license when ready, and you can fish the same day.

Call ahead if you are unsure whether a specific store sells licenses — not every location carries them, even at large chains. The FWC website has a store locator tool that shows which retailers near you are authorized to sell licenses.

In-person purchases take about ten minutes. The retailer may charge a small convenience fee on top of the license price, so ask before you pay.

Saltwater versus freshwater licenses

A saltwater license covers fishing in the ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and coastal bays and estuaries. A freshwater license covers lakes, rivers, and streams inland. If you plan to fish in both environments, you need both licenses. Some people buy a saltwater license for a week-long beach trip and a freshwater license for the rest of the year.

The FWC website and retailers will ask you which type you need before you pay. If you are not sure whether a body of water is saltwater or freshwater, check the FWC's water body guide or call 888-FISH-FLORIDA to ask.

License length and cost differences

Florida offers three-day, seven-day, and annual licenses. A three-day license is cheapest and works for a short trip. A seven-day license costs more but lasts longer. An annual license costs the most upfront but is the best value if you fish more than a few times a year.

Residents pay less than non-residents for every license type. For example, a resident's annual freshwater license costs less than a non-resident's three-day license. If you live in Florida, bring your Florida ID to prove residency. If you are visiting, you will pay the non-resident rate.

Some groups pay reduced rates: Florida seniors (age 65 and older), active-duty military, and disabled veterans may may have access to for discounts. Ask the retailer or the FWC whether you may have access to before you pay full price.

What to do if you lose or damage your license

If you lose your printed license or it gets wet and unreadable, you can buy a replacement through any of the three methods above. You do not need to wait for a new one — you can purchase when ready and fish with the new license the same day.

If you bought online and still have the confirmation email or receipt, take a photo of it and show it to a wildlife officer if you are stopped. Many officers will accept proof of purchase while you arrange a replacement. Keep your receipt or confirmation number in a safe place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license if I fish from a pier or charter boat?

If you fish from a public pier or a licensed charter boat, you do not need your own license — the pier or charter operator's license covers you. If you fish from a private boat or private pier, you need your own license. Ask the charter captain or pier operator to confirm before you go.

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

You can buy a license online or by phone using someone else's name and ID number if they give you permission. In person, the retailer may ask the person to be present with their ID. Call the FWC or ask the retailer about their gift license policy.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a valid license is a violation. A wildlife officer can issue a citation and fine. The fine amount varies but can be significant. Always carry your license with you while fishing, even if you are just fishing for a few minutes.

Can I buy a license on the same day I want to fish?

Yes. If you buy online or in person at a retailer, you can print or receive your license the same day and fish when ready. If you call the FWC, the license is mailed to you, which takes one to two weeks. Plan ahead if you are using the phone method.

What if I move out of Florida after buying a resident license?

Your license remains valid for the time period you purchased, even if you move. You do not need to replace it or notify the FWC. When it expires, you will need to buy a non-resident license if you want to fish in Florida again.