Buy your Florida fishing license online through the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website, by phone, or in person at authorized retailers across the state

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) sells fishing licenses directly through its website at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, where you can purchase and print your license when ready. You can also call the FWC at 888-936-6293 during business hours, mail in an process, or walk into any authorized retailer — bait shops, sporting goods stores, and some Walmart locations carry licenses in stock. The fastest route is online; the most reliable backup is a local bait shop, which can print your license on the spot.

Key Takeaways

  • The FWC website GoOutdoorsFlorida.com lets you buy and print a license when ready without leaving home.
  • Bait and tackle shops throughout Florida stock licenses and can print them while you wait.
  • Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, and Dick's Sporting Goods carry licenses at many locations, though availability varies by store.
  • Phone orders through the FWC take longer but work if you cannot access the website or visit a retailer.
  • You need to know your Social Security number, date of birth, and Florida residency status before you buy.

Buying online through the FWC website

GoOutdoorsFlorida.com is the official FWC licensing portal and the fastest way to get a license. You create an account, enter your personal information, choose your license type (saltwater, freshwater, or combination), and pay by credit or debit card. The system generates a PDF you print when ready — you do not have to wait for anything to arrive in the mail. The license is valid the moment you print it.

The website accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. If you do not have a printer at home, you can print at a library, a FedEx Office, or ask a bait shop to print it for you once you have purchased it online. The FWC also emails you a copy, so you have a backup on your phone if needed.

Licensed retailers that sell licenses in person

Bait and tackle shops are the most reliable in-person source because they stock licenses year-round and can print them when ready. Search "bait and tackle near me" or call ahead to confirm they have the license type you need. Most charge no extra fee beyond the license cost itself.

Walmart locations in Florida carry licenses at the sporting goods counter, though not every store stocks every type. Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, and Dick's Sporting Goods in larger cities usually have them. Call the store first — smaller locations may not keep licenses in stock. Some marinas and fishing charters also sell licenses to their customers.

Phone orders through the FWC

Call 888-936-6293 to order by phone. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and payment information ready. The FWC mails the license to you, which takes five to ten business days. This route is slower than online or in-person purchase but works if you have no internet access or cannot reach a retailer.

Phone lines are busiest during early morning and late afternoon. Calling mid-morning on a weekday usually means shorter wait times. The FWC is closed on weekends and state holidays.

Mail-in applications

You can request an process form from the FWC website or call 888-936-6293 to have one mailed to you. Fill it out, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the form. This method takes the longest — typically two to three weeks — and is rarely the best choice unless you have a specific reason to avoid phone and online options.

What you need before you buy

Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and Florida driver's license or ID number ready. If you are not a Florida resident, you will need your out-of-state address. You also need to decide which license type you want: freshwater only, saltwater only, or a combination that covers both. The FWC website shows the current price for each type, which changes annually.

If you are buying for someone else as a gift, you will need their Social Security number and date of birth. Some retailers allow you to buy a license as a gift card instead, which the recipient can redeem for their own license online.

License types and where to find current prices

Florida offers three main license categories: freshwater (for lakes and rivers), saltwater (for ocean and coastal waters), and a combination license that covers both. Prices vary by residency status — Florida residents pay less than non-residents — and by license length. You can buy a 3-day, 7-day, or annual license. The FWC website displays all current prices and lets you compare before you buy.

Some people also need a saltwater endorsement or a special permit depending on what they plan to catch. The website walks you through which licenses and endorsements explore to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a license on my phone and start fishing the same day?

Yes. If you buy online through GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, you can print the license when ready or show the email confirmation on your phone. Some bait shops will also print it for you if you show them your online purchase confirmation. You do not have to wait for anything to arrive in the mail.

What if the nearest bait shop is closed when I want to fish?

Buy online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com any time of day or night. The license prints when ready and is valid right away. If you do not have a printer, print it at a library or FedEx Office before you go fishing.

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

Most charter boats and public piers include the license fee in their price, so you do not buy one separately. Ask the charter or pier operator when you book. If you fish from your own boat or from shore, you need your own license.

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

Yes. Some retailers sell gift cards that the recipient can redeem for their own license online. You can also buy a license in someone else's name if you have their Social Security number and date of birth, though they will need to print it or pick it up themselves.

What happens if I lose my printed license while I am fishing?

The FWC has a record of your purchase. Call 888-936-6293 and they can issue a replacement, or log into GoOutdoorsFlorida.com and print another copy. Bring your ID when you fish so you can prove who you are if a wildlife officer asks.