Freshwater License Exemptions

Florida residents 65 years of age or older who possess either a Resident Senior Citizen Hunting and Fishing Certificate, or proof of age and residency. A Florida Senior Citizen Hunting and Fishing Certificate is accepted in Georgia, but a trout stamp may be required. Georgia residents 65 years of age or older who have in their possession a Georgia Honorary Combination Hunting and Fishing License and proof of age. Florida residents certified as totally and permanently disabled, who possess a Florida Resident Disabled Person Hunting and Fishing Certificate. Applicants need to provide a certification of total and permanent disability from the United States Armed Forces, Railroad Retirement Board, Florida Worker’s Compensation or the United States Veterans Administration. Alternatively, current documentation from the Social Security Administration for Supplemental Security Income(SSI) or Supplemental Security Disability Income (SSDI) benefits is accepted. Any person who has been accepted by the Florida Department of Health for developmental services, with proof (mentally challenged). Children under 16 years of age. Resident Freshwater Commercial Fishing License holders. Any resident who is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and is not stationed in Florida, home on leave for 30 days or less, upon submission of orders. Any resident fishing in the county of his or her residence with live or natural bait, using poles or hand lines without a reel or other line retrieval mechanism (cane pole), for noncommercial purposes. Anyone fishing in a private fishing pond less than 20 acres. A private pond is a manmade pond constructed for the primary purpose of fishing, entirely within the property lines of the owner and with no surface water connection to public waters. Anyone fishing in a private pond of 20 acres or more where the pond owner has purchased a fish pond license at a fee of $3 per surface acre. Any person fishing in their county of residence on the homestead of their spouse or minor child, or any minor child fishing on the homestead of their parent. Anyone fishing in the St. Marys River or Lake Seminole (but not including tributary creeks in Florida), who has a valid Georgia fishing license. Anyone fishing during Free Fishing Weekend, April 5-6, 2008. NOTE: Any resident fishing for mullet in fresh water who has a valid Florida freshwater fishing license does not need a saltwater license. NOTE: A valid fishing license is required to fish by any method in a Fish Management Area. Lifetime and Five-Year Licenses Lifetime and Five-Year licenses are available to Florida residents for hunting, freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing. The Lifetime and Five-Year licenses will remain valid for use in Florida even if you move out of state. The cost of these licenses is less than what would be spent on annual licenses, permits and fees. Purchasing long-term licenses is encouraged because it helps Florida to stabilize funding, generates interest revenue for fishing conservation and recovers more Federal Aid funds. Lifetime Sportsman’s License (Includes: Hunting, Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing licenses; and Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Turkey, Florida Waterfowl, Snook and Crawfish permits)