Find Out How Much a Florida Fishing License Costs Today!

Find Out How Much a Florida Fishing License Costs Today!

Florida is a paradise for anglers with its extensive shoreline access to the Atlantic and numerous inland freshwater bodies. However, to enjoy fishing in this beautiful state, you need to have a license for regulatory purposes. The cost of a Florida fishing license varies depending on several factors such as your residential status, the fishing location, special group categories, the license period, and your age. In this article, we will provide a detailed guide on the different types of fishing licenses available in Florida and how much they cost.

Find Out How Much a Florida Fishing License Costs Today!

Types of Fishing Licenses in Florida and Their Costs

Saltwater Fishing Licenses

Saltwater fishing licenses cover any fishing activity on the saltwater bodies, mainly the Florida ocean waters. Here are the different types of saltwater fishing licenses and their costs:

  • No Cost Residents License ($0.00): Florida residents are eligible for a no-cost fee when fishing from a structure attached to the shore or the shore itself.
  • 5-Year Resident License ($79.00): This license gives residents 5-year fishing authorization.
  • Annual Resident License ($17.00): Florida Residents Get to Renew their fishing privileges annually.
  • 3-Day Non-Residential License ($17.00): Non-residents will need to pay these fees for the same saltwater fishing privileges as the residents for three consecutive days.
  • 7-day Non-Residential License ($30.00): Non-residents will need to pay these fees for the same saltwater fishing privileges as the residents for seven consecutive days.
  • Annual Non-Residential License ($47.00): Non-residents will need to pay these fees for the same saltwater fishing privileges as the residents.
  • Annual seawater/ freshwater fishing combination for residents ($32.50): Residents Get a reduced cost for saltwater, freshwater, and hunting privileges.
  • Annual Freshwater/saltwater/hunting combinations for residents ($48.00): Residents Get a reduced cost for saltwater, freshwater, and hunting privileges.
  • 5- Year Gold sportsman’s License for residents ($494.00): The Gold Sportsman’s License covers freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, and hunting.
  • Annual Gold Sportsman’s License for Residents ($100.00): They include the following permits: archery, Wildlife Management Area, turkey, deer, crossbow, lobster, Florida Waterfowl, snook, and Muzzleloading gun.
  • Annual Gold Sportsman License For Military Residents ($20.00): Retired military members or active duty military residents have access to the Gold Sportsman privileges at a reduced cost. Present a current military ID card and proof of residency to be eligible.
  • Saltwater Fishing License for Resident Youth ($17.00): Any youth aged between 8 and 15 years old are eligible for this License. The License expires when they Get to 17 years old.
  • Gold Sportsman’s License for Resident Youth ($100.00): This License gives youth Gold Sportsman’s privileges. Only youth aged 8 to 15 years can apply. The License expires when they reach 17 years.
  • Persons with disabilities Fishing License for Residents ($0.00): These licenses are valid for 2 to 5 years.

Freshwater Fishing Licenses

Freshwater fishing licenses authorize people to fish in inland freshwater bodies in Florida. Here are the different types of freshwater fishing licenses and their costs:

  • 5-Year Resident Fishing License ($79.00): These licenses authorize you to harvest native and non-native fish from freshwater bodies.
  • Annual Resident Fishing License ($17.00): These licenses authorize you to harvest native and non-native fish from freshwater bodies.
  • Non-Resident 3-day fishing License ($17.00): These licenses give non-residents the authority to fish for native and non-native fish in Florida’s freshwater bodies.
  • Non-Resident 7-Day Fishing License ($30.00): These licenses give non-residents the authority to fish for native and non-native fish in Florida’s freshwater bodies.
  • Annual Non-Resident Fishing License ($47.00): These licenses give non-residents the authority to fish for native and non-native fish in Florida’s freshwater bodies.
  • Freshwater Fishing and Hunting Combination License for Residents ($32.50): This combination license gives residents the authority to hunt and fish in freshwater bodies in Florida.
  • Annual Resident’s Sportsman’s License ($80.50): This License authorizes you to fish in freshwater and hunt. It also includes permits for Archery, Wildlife Management Area, Florida Waterfowl, deer, turkey, and crossbow.
  • Annual Resident Silver Sportsman’s License ($13.50): These licenses are for Florida’s residents who are aged 64 years and above.
  • 5-year Silver Sportsman’s License ($61.50): These licenses are for Florida’s residents who are aged 64 years and above.
  • Youth Freshwater Fishing Licenses ($17.00): This License is viable for youth within the age bracket of 8 and 15 years old. It expires when they Get to 17 years.
  • Youth Gold Sportsman’s License ($100.00): This License includes the Gold Sportsman’s privileges. The youth has to finish a hunting course to Get to enjoy hunting privileges.

Lifetime Fishing Licenses

Lifetime fishing licenses grant you permanent fishing privileges. Here are the different types of lifetime fishing licenses and their costs:



  • Lifetime Freshwater Fishing License:
    • 4 years and below: $126.50
    • 5 to 12 years old: $226.50
    • 13 years and above: $301.50
  • Lifetime Saltwater Fishing License:
    • 4 years and below: $126.50
    • 5 to 12 years old: $226.50
    • 13 years and above: $301.50
  • Lifetime Gold Sportsman Licenses:
    • 4 years and below: $401.50
    • 5 to 12 years old: $701.50
    • 13 years and above: $1001.50

Private Pond Fishing Licenses

A private pond is one that does not have any connection to public waters via the water surface. The License is charged on private ponds that have more than 20 acres in surface cover. This License costs $3 per surface acre. You do not need the License if the pond measures less than 20 acres. If you fish in your spouse’s pond, your parent’s, or child’s pond, you do not need the License.

How and Where to Purchase a Florida Fishing License

You may need documents like your relevant ID and social security number when applying for a fishing license in Florida. The licenses are available for purchase online, via call (888-347-4356), at the tax collector’s office, or at license agents.

License-Free Days

It is also important to note that there are license-free days in Florida. These are:

  • Freshwater: First weekend (Saturday and Sunday) in April and the second weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of June.
  • Saltwater: First weekend (Saturday and Sunday) in June and the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Conclusion

Fishing is a major activity in Florida, and having the right license is essential for regulatory purposes. We hope this guide helps you understand the different types of fishing licenses available in Florida and their respective costs. Remember to always carry your license with you while fishing and to respect the fishing regulations in the state.

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