Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World — from largemouth bass in the Everglades to tarpon in the Keys and redfish along the Gulf Coast. Here’s your complete 2026 guide to Florida fishing license fees, free fishing days, and special permits.
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), updated for 2026.
Who Needs a Florida Fishing License?
Anyone aged 16 and older must have a valid fishing license to fish in Florida, whether fishing from shore or a vessel.
Exemptions — Who Fishes for Free
- Children under 16 — No license required
- Florida residents 65+ — Exempt with proof of age and residency (or get a free 65+ certificate)
- Saltwater shoreline fishing (residents) — Free Saltwater Shoreline License (shore/pier only, not from boat)
- Totally and permanently disabled FL residents — Free Disabled Person’s License
- FL residents on military leave — Exempt for 30 days with military orders
- Fishing from licensed charter boats — Covered under vessel license
- Residents fishing on their homestead — Exempt in county of residence
2026 Florida Fishing License Fees
Resident Licenses
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Freshwater Fishing | $17.00 |
| Annual Saltwater Fishing | $17.00 |
| Freshwater + Saltwater Combo | $32.50 |
| 5-Year Freshwater | $79.00 |
| 5-Year Saltwater | $79.00 |
| Gold Sportsman’s License (fresh+salt+hunting+permits) | $100.00 |
| 5-Year Gold Sportsman’s | $494.00 |
| Military Gold Sportsman’s (active/retired FL resident) | $20.00 |
| Saltwater Shoreline-Only License | FREE |
| Resident 65+ Certificate | FREE |
| Disabled Person’s License | FREE |
Source: FWC (myfwc.com), current as of March 2026.
Non-Resident Licenses
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Freshwater | $47.00 |
| Annual Saltwater | $47.00 |
| 3-Day Freshwater | $17.00 |
| 3-Day Saltwater | $17.00 |
| 7-Day Freshwater | $30.00 |
| 7-Day Saltwater | $30.00 |
Source: FWC (myfwc.com), current as of March 2026.
⚠️ Note: Non-resident 3-day and 7-day licenses can no longer be purchased online. You must buy them in-person at county tax collector offices or licensed agents.
Special Permits (Required in Addition to License)
| Permit | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Snook Permit | $10.00/yr | $10.00/yr |
| Lobster Permit | $5.00/yr | $5.00/yr |
| Tarpon Tag | $51.50/yr | $51.50/yr |
| 5-Year Snook Permit (resident only) | $50.00 | — |
| 5-Year Lobster Permit (resident only) | $25.00 | — |
2026 License-Free Fishing Days in Florida
Florida offers multiple license-free fishing days for both residents and non-residents:
Freshwater
| Date | Day |
|---|---|
| First Saturday & Sunday in April | April 4–5, 2026 |
| Second Saturday & Sunday in June | June 13–14, 2026 |
Saltwater
| Date | Day |
|---|---|
| First Saturday & Sunday in June | June 6–7, 2026 |
| First Saturday in September | September 5, 2026 |
| Saturday after Thanksgiving | November 28, 2026 |
Snook and spiny lobster permits are also waived on saltwater license-free days. All fishing regulations still apply.
How to Buy Your Florida Fishing License
1. Online
Visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com — the official FWC license portal. Annual licenses available online; 3-day and 7-day non-resident licenses are in-person only.
2. Mobile App
Download the Fish|Hunt FL app (Apple and Android) to buy, renew, and store licenses.
3. By Phone
Call toll-free: 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356)
4. In-Person
- County tax collector offices
- Walmart stores
- Bass Pro Shops / Cabela’s
- Local bait and tackle shops
Important: Florida fishing licenses are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Florida Fishing Regulations Quick Reference
- Catch limits — Species-specific daily bag limits and minimum sizes
- Seasons — Some species have closed seasons (snook, grouper, etc.)
- Slot limits — Redfish, snook, and others have slot size requirements
- Spearfishing — Allowed for many species; special rules apply
- Current regulations at myfwc.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a basic Florida fishing license?
A resident annual freshwater or saltwater license costs $17.00 each. For both, get the combo at $32.50. Non-residents pay $47.00 per year.
Do seniors need a fishing license in Florida?
No. Florida residents 65 and older are completely exempt. Carry proof of age and residency or get a free 65+ certificate.
Can I fish from shore without a license?
Florida residents can get a free Saltwater Shoreline License for fishing from shore or a fixed structure. You cannot use it from a boat.
What special permits do I need?
Snook ($10), lobster ($5), and tarpon ($51.50) require separate permits in addition to your fishing license.
When are Florida’s free fishing days?
Multiple dates: freshwater in April and June, saltwater in June, September, and November. See the table above.
Is my Florida license valid for a full year?
Yes — Florida licenses are valid for 12 months from purchase date.
Related Articles
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Guide to Getting a Fishing License in Florida — Step-by-step buying guide
Do You Need a Fishing License in Florida? — Full exemption breakdown
Understanding Florida Saltwater Fishing Licenses — Saltwater-specific guide
Best Fishing Spots in Florida — Top destinations
Fishing License for Saltwater vs. Freshwater — License type comparison
Senior Fishing License Fees and Discounts Across the US — Senior discount comparison
Military Fishing License Discounts: State-by-State — Compare all 50 states
