While youth under the age of 16 and people over 65, or anglers who fish in their county of residence with a rod, do not need licenses, buying one contributes to conservation and helps the state recover more of its federal sports fish restoration tax money. Florida residents who fish only in saltwater from the land or from a structure attached to the land can obtain the recreational saltwater fishing license at no cost to residents. This license does NOT cover anyone fishing from a boat or from an island they arrived on by boat. Individuals holding a recreational saltwater fishing license or any other license that includes recreational saltwater fishing privileges do not need a coastal fishing license.
Non-residents are not eligible for this license and must purchase an annual 3-day, 7-day, or annual non-resident saltwater fishing license when fishing in Florida, unless covered by a charter or dock license. Anglers who dive into the water to catch saltwater fish are considered to be fishing from shore, as long as they can stay on the bottom and do not access or leave the area by boat. If an angler arrives at the saltwater fishing spot by boat, they must have a regular saltwater fishing license, regardless of whether they fish from shore. An exemption exists for resident saltwater anglers who use a pole or line, who are not equipped with a fishing line retrieval mechanism, who use natural bait, and it applies to anglers fishing from shore, shore-attached structures, or boats.
This exemption applies only in the fisherman's home county. The exemption for saltwater anglers using a pole or line, not equipped with a fishing line retrieval mechanism, does not include anglers using any type of equipment other than hook and line. For example, crabbers who use traps, baskets, crab nets, dive nets, or landing nets will need to have a fishing license. In addition, anglers using casting nets or other types of nets are not exempt from licensing requirements.
The exemption for anglers using a rod or line that is not equipped with a fishing line retrieval mechanism does not include those who collect shellfish or other marine animals by hand. There was never a general exemption to fish from shore or a shore-attached structure in freshwater, so no new license was needed. In addition, the new exemption for anglers receiving food stamps, temporary cash assistance, or Medicaid applies only to resident saltwater anglers fishing from shore or a shore-attached structure and is not related to freshwater. Yes, if you are not exempt and have an offshore saltwater license, you must have a snook permit to keep a snook in season.
Florida is a great spot for saltwater and freshwater fishing. In some cases you need a fishing license to enjoy this outdoor activity, but in others you don't. A variety of licenses are available. State residents who are 65 or older and residents and non-residents under 16 do not need a license to fish.
A Florida fishing license is required to land any saltwater species in Florida, regardless of where it is caught. It doesn't matter if you're fishing in state or federal waters, you still need to have a Florida license. Out-of-State Fishing and Hunting Licenses Not Valid in Florida. If you are 16 or older and intend to hunt or fish, even if you just catch and release.
Florida hunting, freshwater fishing, or saltwater fishing license required. For Florida residents who only fish on the coast, FWC offers a free shore-only fishing license as an alternative. If you are targeting freshwater fish with only a freshwater fishing license and you happen to catch a snook, flounder, red drum, or sea trout, you should release it immediately. For anglers who intend to fish for freshwater species, FWC also offers a recreational freshwater fishing license.
Any resident fishing for recreational purposes only, within their county of residence with live or natural bait, using a fishing rod or simple fishing line that is not equipped with a retrieval mechanism, such as a Cuban yo-yo, more commonly known as a Cuban fishing platform. Each year, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission sets aside eight (days) to encourage Floridians to go out and fish without a license. Anglers can purchase their fishing and hunting licenses and permits online on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website or through the FishHunt/FL app. Florida residents and visitors must have a hunting, freshwater fishing, or saltwater fishing license available when complying with state law.
These species are considered saltwater fish and therefore a saltwater fishing license is required to own them (and, of course, season limits, bag limits, and size still apply). Non-residents who are 16 years of age or older must have Florida licenses and permits to participate in hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing. All licensing rights are used to support the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to help maintain fish and wildlife resources. You can fish from a dock for recreational purposes, but you still need a valid saltwater fishing license on the dock.
You can apply for a Florida fishing license online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission website. If you have a fishing rod in your possession near water, you must have a license, whether you catch fish or not. . .
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