Buy your Florida fishing license online, by phone, or in person at authorized retailers

You can purchase a Florida fishing license through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website, by calling their licensing office, or at thousands of retail locations across the state. The online route is fastest — you can buy and print your license in minutes. Phone and in-person purchases take longer but work if you prefer talking to someone or need the license the same day.

Florida requires a saltwater or freshwater license depending on where you fish, and the type you need depends on whether you're a resident or visiting. Non-residents can buy short-term licenses (3 days, 7 days, or annual), while residents get annual options. All licenses are issued when ready once you pay, either as a printed document or digital file you can show on your phone.

Key Takeaways

  • The FWC website (myfwc.com/license) is the fastest way to buy — you'll have your license within minutes and can print it at home or save it to your phone.
  • You can also call the FWC licensing office at 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356) during business hours to purchase by phone.
  • Retail locations like Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, tackle shops, and sporting goods stores sell licenses in person, though availability and hours vary by location.
  • Saltwater and freshwater licenses are separate, so confirm which one you need before you buy.
  • Non-residents can buy 3-day, 7-day, or annual licenses; residents typically purchase annual licenses.

Buying online through the FWC website

Go to myfwc.com/license and select "Purchase a License" to start. You'll choose your license type (saltwater, freshwater, or both), residency status, and duration. The site will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and payment information. You can pay with a credit or debit card.

Once your payment processes, you'll receive a confirmation number and can when ready read and print your license or save the PDF to your phone. The printed version or phone version is valid — you don't need a physical card mailed to you. This entire process takes about 5 to 10 minutes. If you have questions during checkout, the FWC website includes a live chat option during business hours.

Calling the FWC licensing office

Call 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356) to speak with a licensing representative. They can answer questions about which license type you need, help you understand residency rules, and process your purchase over the phone. Have your payment method ready — they accept credit and debit cards.

Phone lines are typically open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. After you purchase, the representative will email your license to you as a PDF, or you can pick it up at an FWC office if you prefer. Expect the call to take 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how many questions you have.

Buying in person at retail locations

Thousands of retailers across Florida sell fishing licenses, including Walmart, Target, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, and local tackle and bait shops. Sporting goods stores like Dick's Sporting Goods and Academy Sports also carry them. Call ahead to confirm the store has the license type you need in stock, since some smaller locations may only carry one or two options.

When you arrive, go to the sporting goods or customer service desk and tell them which license you want. Bring a valid ID and your payment method. The retailer will print your license on the spot, usually within a few minutes. Hours vary by location — some stores open early and close late, while others keep standard retail hours. Check the store's website or call before you go.

Understanding saltwater versus freshwater licenses

A saltwater license covers fishing in ocean water, bays, and estuaries. A freshwater license covers lakes, rivers, and streams. If you plan to fish in both, you can buy a combination license that covers both types. The FWC website and retail staff can help you figure out which one you need based on where you plan to fish.

Some areas of Florida have both saltwater and freshwater fishing nearby, so it's worth thinking through your plans before you buy. If you're unsure, a combination license removes the guesswork, though it costs more than a single-type license.

Resident versus non-resident license options

Florida residents can purchase annual licenses that run from January 1 to December 31. Non-residents have more flexibility — you can buy a 3-day license (valid for three consecutive days), a 7-day license (valid for seven consecutive days), or an annual license if you plan to fish multiple times throughout the year.

To may have access to as a resident, you must have lived in Florida for at least six months and have a Florida driver's license or ID card. If you don't meet that requirement, you'll need a non-resident license. The FWC website will ask about your residency status during checkout, and retail staff can answer questions if you're unsure which category applies to you.

What to bring and what to expect

For online purchases, you need a valid payment method (credit or debit card) and a few minutes of your time. For phone purchases, have the same payment information ready plus your date of birth and address. For in-person purchases at a retail location, bring a valid ID and your payment method.

Once you've bought your license, keep it with you while you fish. You can carry a printed copy, show it on your phone, or both. Florida law requires you to have your license available to show to a Fish and Wildlife officer if asked. If you lose your printed copy, you can redownload it from the FWC website using your confirmation number, or call the licensing office to request a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish without a license in Florida?

No, Florida requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. A few exceptions exist — children under 16 can fish without a license, and some people with disabilities may may have access to for exemptions. Check the FWC website or call the licensing office to see if an exemption applies to you.

How long does a non-resident 3-day license last?

A 3-day license is valid for three consecutive calendar days, starting the day you buy it. If you purchase on a Friday, it expires at the end of Sunday. The 7-day license works the same way — it runs for seven consecutive days from the purchase date.

What if I buy the wrong license type?

Contact the FWC licensing office at 888-347-4356 within a reasonable time of your purchase. They can often issue a refund or exchange your license for the correct type. Keep your confirmation number and receipt to speed up the process.

Can I buy a license for someone else?

Yes, you can purchase a license for another person online or by phone if you have their information (name, date of birth, address). In person, the person fishing typically needs to be present with a valid ID, though some retailers may allow you to buy on their behalf — call ahead to confirm the store's policy.

Do I need to print my license or can I just show it on my phone?

You can show your license on your phone — a digital copy is just as valid as a printed one. However, having a printed backup is a good idea in case your phone dies or loses signal while you're on the water.