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Fishing License Requirements and Fees

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License, permit, and issuance fees and exemptions are established by the Legislature. In addition to the cost of licenses and permits specified in this section, license agents currently charge a 50-cent issuance fee for selling licenses or permits.

Licensing requirements follow the species of fish you are fishing for, regardless of where you are fishing. For example, anglers fishing for and possessing largemouth bass in brackish water need a freshwater license; anglers fishing for saltwater species in fresh water (e.g., spotted sea trout, red drum, snook, or American shad) need a saltwater license to possess these species. An exception is that when fishing in fresh water with a freshwater license (or legal exemption) you may take mullet without a saltwater license (seasons and sizes follow the saltwater fishing rules). See fishing license exemptions, but remember anyone can buy a license to contribute to conservation.

The law generally requires a fishing license if you are between 16 and 65 years old. However, many anglers know buying a license helps fund fish and wildlife conservation and voluntarily buy one as a way of showing their stewardship ethic. By law, fishing license fees are only used by FWC for implementing the mission of “managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.”

Resident Freshwater Fishing Licenses
For the purpose of fishing in Florida, a person is a resident if he or she has lived in Florida for six continuous months prior to applying for licenses and claims Florida as his or her primary residence. Active military personnel stationed in Florida, including their spouses and dependent children residing in the household, are considered residents when purchasing fishing licenses.
Freshwater Fishing (valid 12 months from specified start date)	$17.00
5-Year Freshwater Fishing (valid 5 years from specified start date)	$79.00
Freshwater/Saltwater Fishing Combo (valid 12 months from specified start date)	$32.50
Freshwater Fishing/Hunting Combo (valid 12 months from specified start date)	$32.50
Freshwater/Saltwater Fishing/Hunting Combo (valid 12 months from specified start date)	$48.00
Resident 64 or Older Sportsman’s License includes Freshwater Fishing and Hunting licenses; and Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Deer, Turkey, Florida Waterfowl permits (valid 12 months from specified start date)	$13.50
Sportsman’s License includes Freshwater Fishing and Hunting licenses; and Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Deer, Turkey, Florida Waterfowl permits (valid 12 months from specified start date)	$80.50
Gold Sportsman’s License includes Hunting, Saltwater Fishing and Freshwater Fishing licenses; and Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Deer, Turkey, Florida Waterfowl, Snook and Lobster permits (valid 12 months from specified start date)	$100.00
Military Gold Sportsman’s License includes Hunting, Saltwater Fishing and Freshwater Fishing licenses; and Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Deer, Turkey, Florida Waterfowl, Snook and Lobster permits (sold only at tax collector’s office) (valid 12 months from specified start date)	$20.00
Nonresident Freshwater Fishing Licenses
Freshwater Fishing (valid 12 months from specified start date)	$47.00
3-Day Freshwater Fishing (valid 3 consecutive days from specified start date)	$17.00
7-Day Freshwater Fishing (valid 7 consecutive days from specified start date)	$30.00
Lifetime Licenses (for Florida residents only)
Lifetime licenses are available to Florida residents only. Funds generated from sales of these licenses are invested, creating an endowment to support long-term conservation of Florida’s fish and wildlife resources. Costs of lifetime licenses are less than what would be spent on annual licenses, permits and fees, and are valid in Florida even if you move out of state. Lifetime license holders are also exempt from most recreational license or permits that may be created in the future.
Lifetime Sportsman’s License (includes Hunting, Freshwater Fishing and Saltwater Fishing licenses; Deer, Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Turkey, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Florida Waterfowl, Snook and Lobster permits)
4 years or younger	$401.50
5-12 years	$701.50
13 years and older	$1,001.50
Lifetime Freshwater Fishing License
4 years or younger	$126.50
5-12 years	$226.50
13 years or older	$301.50

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This is not the full law. Consult the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for further details. All persons are reminded that the statutes, code and regulations are the legal authorities.

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