2022 Florida Fishing License Info [Super Easy] Salty101

Fishing in Florida is not that simple if you’re going by the official Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website. Heck, we are sometimes confused and we do this for a living. We made this page to break it down for you and make it as simple as possible. Let’s see if we can’t explain exactly what you need to become law abiding anglers in Florida!

Is there a Florida Out of State Fishing License?

Not really, no. You must obtain a Florida fishing license if certain criteria are met. Just read more below to find out what rules apply to your situation.

Do You Need a Freshwater Fishing License?

If you will fish in freshwater, then yes, you need a freshwater fishing license (Florida residents and Non-residents).

Do You Need a Saltwater Fishing License? Permits?

Everyone needs a Florida Saltwater Fishing License to fish in Florida from their own boat.

SHORELINE LICENSE for Florida Residents – If fishing from shore or from something anchored to shore (bridge, pier, dock), or as part of a charter with a group fishing license, you need a FREE (sort of) Florida Shoreline License.

Note, if you arrive somewhere by boat, and fish from the shore there, you are in violation of the fishing laws if you just have a Shore License. However, if you drive there and fish onshore, you are legal. I know, it’s ridiculous. If you swim out to an island and fish from shore, you are legal.

If you paddle out to an island, or ride a jet-ski, and fish from the shore – we don’t have the slightest idea if you are legal or not. Is a paddleboard a boat? Is a jet-ski? A flotation vest? A rubber inner-tube?

OK, that’s it for Florida Fishing Licenses. BUT WAIT. You may still be required to get special Fishing Permits or Tags. Let’s find out.

SCROLL DOWN AND CHOOSE YOUR AGE AND RESIDENCY.

If Under 16 Years Old – Florida Residents and Non-Residents

You are exempt from freshwater and saltwater fishing requirements.

Go HERE to read all the exemptions that are possible for fishing license requirements due to age, military status, and other exemptions.

Age 16 – 64 and Florida Resident

If Saltwater Fishing, except from shore – you need a Saltwater Fishing License: 1 Year ($17) or 5 Year ($79) or Lifetime ($301.50)
If Freshwater Fishing – you need a Freshwater Fishing License: 1 Year ($17) or 5 year ($79) or Lifetime ($301.50).
If Freshwater AND Saltwater Fishing you can get both at a discount for a year by paying ($32.50).
If you will harvest Lobster you need a Lobster Permit: 1 Year ($5) or 5 Year ($25).
If you will harvest Snook, you need a Snook Permit: 1 Year ($10) or 5 Year ($50).
If you will target sharks from shore or boat, you need a shore-based shark fishing permit ($0).
If you are planning to fish for OR harvest any of the following fish from a private boat, or by spearfishing, you will need to register for a special designation called the STATE REEF FISH ANGLER (free). If you are on a paid fishing charter – you don’t need this.

Mutton snapper, yellowtail snapper, hogfish, red snapper, vermilion snapper, gag grouper, red grouper, black grouper, greater amberjack fish, lesser amberjack, banded rudderfish, almaco jack, gray triggerfish.

Go HERE for your Resident License(s) and Permit(s). Or see below for more options.

Age 16 – 64 and Non-Florida Resident

If Saltwater Fishing – you need a Saltwater Fishing License: 3 Days ($17) or 7 Days ($30) or 1 Year ($47).
If Freshwater Fishing – you need a Freshwater Fishing License: 3 Days ($17) or 7 Days ($30) or 1 Year ($47).
If you will harvest Lobster you need a Lobster Permit: 1 Year ($5).
If you will harvest Snook, you need a Snook Permit: 1 Year ($10).
If you will target sharks from shore or boat, you need a shore-based shark fishing permit ($0).
If you are planning to fish for OR harvest any of the following fish from a private boat, or by spearfishing, you will need to register for a special designation called the STATE REEF FISH ANGLER (free). If you are on a paid fishing charter – you don’t need this.

Mutton snapper, yellowtail snapper, hogfish, red snapper, vermilion snapper, gag grouper, red grouper, black grouper, greater amberjack, lesser amberjack, banded rudderfish, almaco jack, gray triggerfish.

Go HERE for your License(s) and Permit(s). Or see below for other options.

Age 65+ and Florida Resident

If Saltwater or freshwater fishing, you are exempt from needing a fishing license. Exemption includes snook and lobster permits. Does not exempt you from needing a shark-fishing permit.
If you will target sharks from shore or boat, you need a shore-based shark fishing permit ($0).
If you are planning to fish for OR harvest any of the following fish from a private boat, or by spearfishing, you will need to register for a special designation called the STATE REEF FISH ANGLER (free). If you are on a paid fishing charter – you don’t need this.

Go HERE to get all types of license for Florida Fishing (recreational saltwater, recreational freshwater, commercial saltwater) and Permits. Or, you can obtain your license from the county tax collector’s office and bait and tackle shops across Florida.

Age 65+ and Non-Florida Resident

If Saltwater Fishing – you need a Saltwater Fishing License: 3 Days (license fees are $17) or 7 Days ($30) or 1 Year ($47).
If Freshwater Fishing – you need a Freshwater Fishing License: 3 Days ($17) or 7 Days ($30) or 1 Year ($47).
If you will harvest Lobster you need a Lobster Permit: 1 Year ($5).
If you will harvest Snook, you need a Snook Permit: 1 Year ($10).
If you will target sharks from shore or boat, you need a shore-based shark fishing permit ($0).
If you are planning to fish for OR harvest any of the following fish from a private boat, or by spearfishing, you will need to register for a special designation called the STATE REEF FISH ANGLER (free). If you are on a paid fishing charter – you don’t need this.

private property tax collector tax collectors offices county tax collectors bait and tackle shops