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

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) sells fishing licenses through three main channels: their official website at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, by phone at 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356), or at thousands of retail locations across the state including bait shops, sporting goods stores, and some Walmart locations. The online route is fastest — you can buy and print your license in minutes. Phone orders take one to two business days. In-person purchases are when ready.

You'll need a valid government ID and a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to buy any license. If you're buying online, you can print your license right away and fish that same day. If you buy by phone or in person, ask whether you're getting a temporary receipt or a permanent license card — some retailers hand you a receipt valid for 30 days while your card arrives by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • GoOutdoorsFlorida.com is the fastest way to buy — you print your license when ready and can fish the same day.
  • Call 888-FISH-FLORIDA to order by phone; your license arrives by mail in one to two business days.
  • Authorized retailers including bait shops and sporting goods stores sell licenses on the spot, though some give you a temporary receipt while your card arrives later.
  • You need a valid government ID and Social Security number or ITIN to purchase any license type.
  • License types and prices vary by residency status and fishing method — saltwater, freshwater, and combination licenses are all available.

Buying online through GoOutdoorsFlorida.com

The FWC's official website GoOutdoorsFlorida.com is the most convenient option for most people. You create an account, select your license type (saltwater, freshwater, or combination), enter your personal information, and pay by credit or debit card. The entire process takes about five minutes. Once your payment goes through, you can read and print your license when ready — it's valid the moment you print it.

If you don't have a printer at home, you can print at a library, a FedEx Office, or ask the retailer where you buy bait to print it for you. Some people take a photo of their printed license on their phone as a backup, though Florida law requires you to carry the actual printed copy or a digital copy on your phone that shows the full license details.

Ordering by phone with the FWC

Call 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356) during business hours to order over the phone. You'll provide your personal information, residency status, and payment details. The FWC will mail your license card to the address you provide. Standard mail delivery takes one to two business days in most of Florida, though it can take longer if you live in a remote area.

When you call, ask whether they'll email you a temporary receipt you can print and use while your card is in the mail. Not all phone representatives offer this, but some do. If they don't, you'll need to wait for the physical card to arrive before you can legally fish.

Buying in person at authorized retailers

Thousands of locations across Florida sell fishing licenses, including bait and tackle shops, Walmart stores, Bass Pro Shops, Dick's Sporting Goods, and some Publix supermarkets. You can find a complete list of authorized retailers on GoOutdoorsFlorida.com by entering your zip code. Call ahead if you're going to a location you've never visited — not every store carries every license type, and some small shops may not have the system set up on a particular day.

When you buy in person, you'll walk out with either a permanent license card or a temporary receipt. Ask the retailer which one you're getting. If it's a temporary receipt, it's usually valid for 30 days while your permanent card arrives by mail. If it's a permanent card, you can fish when ready.

License types and what each one covers

Florida offers several license types, and the one you need depends on where you plan to fish and whether you're a Florida resident. A Saltwater Fishing License lets you fish in ocean and coastal waters. A Freshwater Fishing License covers lakes, rivers, and ponds. A Combination License covers both saltwater and freshwater and is often cheaper than buying both separately.

Non-residents can buy a 3-day, 7-day, or annual license. Residents get annual licenses at a lower price. Some people also buy a Recreational Saltwater License if they only fish saltwater — it's cheaper than a combination license but doesn't cover freshwater. Check GoOutdoorsFlorida.com to see the current prices for each type, as they change periodically.

What to bring and what information you'll need

You'll need a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and either your Social Security number or ITIN. If you're buying online, have your credit or debit card ready. If you're buying in person, bring your ID and payment method — most retailers take cash, card, or check.

If you're a non-resident, you may be asked to confirm your state of residence. If you're active military or a veteran, some discounts may be available — ask the retailer or check the FWC website for current military pricing.

How long your license lasts and renewal

Annual licenses run from January 1 to December 31 of the same year, regardless of when you buy them. If you buy a license in November, it expires at the end of that same December — you don't get a full year. Three-day and 7-day licenses start counting from the day you buy them.

You can renew your license anytime during the year through the same channels where you bought it — online, by phone, or in person. Many people renew online in December so their new license is ready on January 1. If your license expires while you're fishing, you're breaking the law, so set a reminder if you fish regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish with a printed license or do I need the physical card?

Florida law accepts either a printed license or a digital copy on your phone that shows all the license details clearly. You must carry one of these with you while fishing. A temporary receipt is valid while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail.

What if I lose my license before it expires?

You can buy a replacement through GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, by phone, or in person at any authorized retailer. You'll pay a replacement fee in addition to the license cost. Have your original license number ready if you have it, though the FWC can look it up by your name and date of birth.

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

No. Florida exempts fishing from public piers and fishing from a licensed charter boat — the captain's license covers the passengers. You do need a license if you fish from your own boat, from shore, or from a private dock.

How much does a Florida fishing license cost?

Prices vary by residency and license type. Resident annual licenses are cheaper than non-resident licenses. A non-resident 7-day saltwater license costs less than an annual license. Check GoOutdoorsFlorida.com for current prices, as they change periodically and may differ between saltwater, freshwater, and combination licenses.

Can I buy a license for someone else?

You can buy a license online or by phone using someone else's information, but you'll need their Social Security number or ITIN and a valid ID number. In person, some retailers allow this and some don't — call ahead to ask. The person fishing must carry their own license while on the water.