Fishing License Information

Under certain circumstances, a license is required for fishing in the state of Florida. For the visitor who is not a resident of the state of Florida, the basics are:

If you will be fishing from the beach you will need a saltwater license.

If you are fishing from a charter vessel or a private pier, the vessel or the pier may already have a license that covers everyone - check with the charter captain or the pier owner.

If you are fishing from the pier at Ft. Clinch State Park, you will need a saltwater fishing license.

Children under the age of 16 do not need a license to fish.

NONRESIDENT LICENSE

3-Day Saltwater Fishing (Valid three days from specified beginning date) - $6.50

7-Day Saltwater Fishing (Valid seven days from specified beginning date) - $16.50

12-Month Saltwater Fishing (Valid for 12 months from specified beginning date) - $31.50

7-Day Freshwater Fishing (Valid seven days from specified beginning date) - $16.50

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

RESIDENT LICENSE

12-Month Saltwater Fishing (Valid for 12 months from specified beginning date) - $13.50

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

ADDITIONAL PERMITS (required only when a license is required)

Snook Permit - $2.50

Crawfish Permit - $2.50

TAG REQUIREMENTS (always required regardless of license exemptions)

Tarpon Tag - $51.50

SALTWATER EXEMPTIONS (brief summary):

Any person under 16 years of age.

Any Florida resident fishing in salt water from land or from a structure fixed to the land.

Any person fishing from a vessel the operator of which holds a valid saltwater-fishing vessel license (e.g., guide, charter or party boats) or a valid recreational vessel fishing license.

Any person who holds a valid saltwater products license.

Any resident 65 years of age or older, who has in her or his possession proof of age and residency. A free license may be obtained from any tax collector's office upon proof of age and residency.

Any resident who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, who is not stationed in this state, when fishing while home on leave for 30 days or less, upon submission of orders.

Any person who has been accepted by the Department of Children and Family Services for developmental services or any licensed provider of services to the State of Florida through contract with the Department of Children and Family Services, where such service involves the need, normally, for possession of a saltwater fishing license and such service is provided as part of a court-decided rehabilitation program involving training in Florida's aquatic resources.

Florida residents certified as totally and permanently disabled, who possess a Florida Resident Disabled Person Hunting and Fishing Certificate.

Any person fishing from a pier which is licensed for saltwater fishing.

Any Florida resident who is fishing for mullet in fresh water and has a valid Florida freshwater fishing license.

Any Florida resident fishing for a saltwater species in fresh water from land or from a structure fixed to the land.