Fresh Water Fishing

Florida Freshwater Fishing Reports

Fishing License Requirements and Fees

License, permit, and issuance fees and exemptions could change following the 2007 Legislative session. If approved, these fee changes will take place beginning October 1, 2007, after these regulations are printed. For up-to-date license information, visit our Web site at: MyFWC.com/License. In addition to the cost of licenses and permits specified in this section, license agents currently charge a 50-cent issuance fee for selling licenses or permits. Licensing requirements follow the species of fish you are fishing for, regardless of where you are fishing. For example, anglers fishing for and possessing largemouth bass in brackish water need a freshwater license; anglers fishing for saltwater species in fresh water (e.g., spotted seatrout, red drum, snook, or American shad) need a saltwater license to possess these species. An exception is that when fishing in fresh water with a freshwater license (or legal exemption) you may take mullet without a saltwater license (seasons and sizes follow the saltwater fishing rules).

Make sure there are fish for tomorrow

Only half of Florida’s anglers are required to buy a license, but their license fees are a vital source of funding for fish and wildlife conservation. Seniors, youths, saltwater shoreline anglers and others that are exempt can contribute to fish and wildlife conservation simply by voluntarily buying a fishing license. Each license bought captures more Federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration money and brings tackle and motor boat fuel taxes home to Florida.

Freshwater License Exemptions

Click Here to See Fishing License Exemptions!

Resident Fishing Licenses

For the purpose of fishing in Florida, a person is a resident if he or she has lived in Florida for six continuous months prior to applying for licenses and claims Florida as his or her primary residence. Active military personnel stationed in Florida, including their spouses and dependent children residing in the household, are considered residents when purchasing fishing licenses.

Resident 12-Month Freshwater Fishing ..................................... $13.50
(Valid 12 months from specified beginning date)

Resident Freshwater .................................................................. $23.50
(Valid 12 months from specified beginning date)

Resident Freshwater/Saltwater.................................................... $25.50
(Valid 12 months from specified beginning date)

Resident Freshwater/Saltwater/Hunting Comb............................. $35.50
(Valid 12 months from specified beginning date)

64 or Older Hunting and Fishing ...................................................... $15.00
(Includes Freshwater Fishing and Hunting licenses; and Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Crossbow, Muzzleloading Gun, Turkey and Florida Waterfowl permits)

Sportsman’s License ............................................................................. $72.50
(Includes Hunting, Freshwater Fishing and permits for Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Crossbow, Muzzleloading Gun, Turkey and Florida Waterfowl permit. Valid 12 months from specified beginning date.

Gold Sportsman’s License ..................................................................... $88.50
(Includes all licenses and permits in the Sportsman’s License plus saltwater fishing, Crawfish and Snook permits)

Nonresident Fishing Licenses 7-Day Freshwater Fishing…………….….. $16.50
(Valid seven consecutive days from specified beginning date)

12-Month Freshwater Fishing ................................................................ $31.50
(Valid 12 months from specified beginning date)

4 years or younger ..................................................................................$401.50

5-12 years ..................................................................................................$701.50

13 years or older ......................................................................................$1,001.50

Lifetime Freshwater Fishing License

4 years or younger ...................................................................................$126.50

5-12 years ..................................................................................................$226.50

13 years or older ......................................................................................$301.50

Lifetime Saltwater Fishing License
(includes Snook and Crawfish permits.)

4 years or younger ...................................................................................$126.50

5-12 years ..................................................................................................$226.50

13 years or older ......................................................................................$301.50

Five-Year Freshwater Fishing License...................................................$61.50
(no permits required)

Five-Year Saltwater Fishing License.....................................................$61.50
(does not include Snook or Crawfish permits or Tarpon Tag)
(Five-Year permits may be purchased with Five-Year licenses.)

 

 

Lakes and Fishing Information

Fish! Fish! Fish!