When fishing in magical Florida, you will have the choice between freshwater or saltwater fishing. Some anglers choose to experience both. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission issues freshwater, saltwater, and lifetime licenses that will cover your fishing license needs. The license price will depend on the applicant’s residency, age of the applicant, and duration of the license.
The cost of a fishing license in Florida will range from $17-$79 (Annual-Five-year license) for residents, for non-residents from $17-$30-$47 (3-day, 7-day, and annual). A lifetime fishing license will cost between $126.50-$301.50 and between $401.50-$1001.50 for a lifetime Gold Sportsman License.
Florida is fondly known as the “Fishing Capital of the World,” offering anglers the chance to fish the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Coast, all the way down to the Keys. Every angler should spoil themselves with a fishing trip to Florida at least once in their lifetime. It’s such a wonderful adventure! This article will discuss the cost of the different fishing licenses available in Florida, how much they will cost residents and non-resident anglers.
How Much Does A Fishing License Cost In Florida?
You have finally decided to experience the wealth of fishing opportunities that Florida offers; you know where and when you are going. The last thing on your checklist is to purchase a license to ensure you comply with the regulations. Let us delve into how much you need to budget for with regards to fishing licenses in Florida:
Freshwater And Saltwater Fishing Licenses
| Type Of License | Residency | Duration Of License | Cost Of License |
| Freshwater License | Resident | Annual License | $17.00 |
| Freshwater License | Resident | Five Year License | $79.00 |
| Freshwater License | Non-Resident | 3-Day License | $17.00 |
| Freshwater License | Non-Resident | 7-Day License | $30.00 |
| Freshwater License | Non-Resident | Annual License | $47.00 |
| Saltwater License | Resident | Annual License | $17.00 |
| Saltwater License | Resident | Five Year License | $79.00 |
| Saltwater License | Non-Resident | 3-Day License | $17.00 |
| Saltwater License | Non-Resident | 7-Day License | $30.00 |
| Saltwater License | Non-Resident | Annual License | $47.00 |
- Freshwater Fishing License: You will need this license if you plan to fish in public waters.
- Saltwater Fishing License: You will need this license if you plan to fish for saltwater fish and harvest clams, crabs, and other edible organisms from the ocean.
Lifetime Saltwater Or Freshwater Fishing License
| Type Of License | Residency | Duration Of License | Cost Of License |
| Lifetime Saltwater Or Freshwater Fishing License | Residents | Lifetime | Age 0-4 Years: $126.50 Each |
| Lifetime Saltwater Or Freshwater Fishing License | Residents | Lifetime | Age 5-12 Years: $226.50 Each |
| Lifetime Saltwater Or Freshwater Fishing License | Residents | Lifetime | Ages 13 Years And Older: $301.50 Each |
- Lifetime Fishing licenses are for Florida residents only.
- Lifetime Fishing licenses will remain valid for use even when the license holder moves out of state.
- Click on the following link to learn more about Florida residency and the documents required when applying for a license: Florida Residency | FWC (myfwc.com)
Hunting And Fishing Combination Licenses
| Type Of License | Residency | Duration Of License | Cost Of License |
| Freshwater/Saltwater Combination Fishing License | Residents | Annual | $32.50 |
| Freshwater & Hunting Combination License | Residents | Annual | $32.50 |
| Saltwater & Hunting Combination License | Residents | Annual | $32.50 |
| Freshwater & Saltwater & Hunting Combination License | Residents | Annual | $48.00 |
Gold Sportsman’s License
| Type Of License | Residency | Duration Of License | Cost Of License |
| Gold Sportsman’s License | Residents | Annual | $100.00 |
| Gold Sportsman’s License | Residents | 5-Year License | $494.00 |
| Military Gold Sportsman’s License | Residents (Who Are On Active Duty Or Retired Military Members) | Annual | $20.00 |
Lifetime Gold Sportsman’s License
| Type of License | Residency | Duration of License | Cost of License |
| Lifetime Gold Sportsman’s License | Residents | Lifetime | Age 0-4 years: $401.50 |
| Lifetime Gold Sportsman’s License | Residents | Lifetime | Age 5-12 years: $701.50 |
| Lifetime Gold Sportsman’s License | Residents | Lifetime | Age 13 years and older: $1001.50 |
A Gold Sportsman’s License/Lifetime Gold Sportsman’s License/Military Gold Sportsman’s License include the following licenses and permits:
- Saltwater Fishing License
- Freshwater Fishing License
- Hunting License
- Wildlife Management Area Permit
- Archery Permit
- Crossbow Permit
- Deer Permit
- Turkey Permit
- Florida Waterfowl Permit
- Snook Permit
- Lobster Permit
- Muzzle Loading Gun Permit
Silver Sportsman’s 64+ License
| Type Of License | Residency | Duration Of Licence | Cost Of License |
| Silver Sportsman’s 64+ License | Residents | Annual | $13.50 |
| Silver Sportsman’s 64+ License | Residents | 5-Year License | $61.50 |
The Silver Sportsman’s 64+ License is for residents 64 years or older and includes the following licenses and permits:
- Freshwater License
- Hunting License
- Wildlife Management Area Permit
- Muzzle Loading Gun Permit
- Archery Permit
- Crossbow Permit
- Deer Permit
- Turkey Permit
- Florida Waterfowl Permit
The Silver Sportsman’s 64+ License does not include the following licenses and permits:
- Saltwater Fishing License
- Snook Permits
- Lobster Permits
Youth Licenses
| Type Of License | Residency | Duration Of License | Cost Of License |
| Resident Youth Saltwater Fishing License | Resident | Optional For Youth Ages from 8-15 Years, Valid Until 17th Birthday | $17.00 |
| Resident Youth Freshwater Fishing License | Resident | Optional For Youth Ages from 8-15 Years, Valid Until 17th Birthday. | $17.00 |
| Resident Youth Gold Sportsman’s License (Only Available With Completion Of Hunter Education Requirements) | Resident | Optional For Youth Ages from 8-15 Years, Valid Until 17th Birthday | $100.00 |
- The youth licenses are optional from ages 8-15 years.
- If you own such a license, it will be valid until you reach the age of 17-years.
- All residents and non-residents will need a fishing license when turning 16-years old.
License-Free Fishing Days
Florida has some license-free fishing days incorporated in the annual calendar, providing residents and non-residents the opportunity to fish without a license. Perfect for introducing a friend or family member to the world of fishing without having to pay for a license.
| License Free | When |
| Freshwater Fishing | First Consecutive Saturday And Sunday In AprilSecond Consecutive Saturday And Sunday In June |
| Saltwater Fishing | First Consecutive Saturday And Sunday In JuneFirst Saturday In SeptemberThe Saturday Following Thanksgiving |
Where To Purchase Fishing Licenses?
Purchasing a fishing license in Florida is an easy process and can be done in any of the following ways:
- Visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission website and buy it online: Official Florida Fishing and Hunting Licenses | Go Outdoors Florida
- Authorized seller/license agent: Find A Licensing Agent Near You | Go Outdoors Florida
- Tax Collectors Office: Florida Dept. of Revenue – Property Tax – Local Officials (floridarevenue.com)
Fishing Spots In Florida You Need To Check Out
If you plan to visit Florida for the first time, or it’s your first fishing expedition to the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” it can be a little daunting deciding where to go. It will be almost impossible to name and mention all the best fishing spots as there are so many in Florida.
If you have are having trouble making up your mind, this happens to so many anglers, make sure to research the following options:
- The Florida Keys
- Daytona Beach
- Destin
- Cape Coral/Fort Myers
- Miami
- Tampa Bay
- Panama City Beach
- Naples
- Sarasota
- St Augustine/Jacksonville
As mentioned, it is impossible to name all of the best fishing spots in Florida; however, if you choose one of the above locations, you will be well on your way to an awesome fishing experience. For more information on great Florida fishing spots check out this article: Florida Top 10 Fishing Spots.
Conclusion
Fishing in Florida should be on every angler’s bucket list. If you are lucky enough to be blessed with residency in Florida, the price of a fishing license is a bargain, and most anglers in the world envy you. That being said, the cost for a non-resident license is also not too steep and pretty affordable.
If you are a non-resident that regularly fishes in Florida, then an annual license makes the most sense. At $47.00, it is a small price to pay for the magical entry into “The Fishing Capital of the World.”