Florida’s diverse waterways offer exceptional night fishing opportunities, with many species becoming more active after sunset. However, anglers must navigate specific regulations to ensure their nighttime adventures remain legal and sustainable. This comprehensive guide covers everything from basic licensing to species-specific night regulations and safety requirements.
License Requirements for Night Fishing
No special night fishing license exists in Florida. Instead, standard fishing licenses cover both day and night angling activities. All resident anglers between 16 and 64 years old and non-residents 16 and older must possess the appropriate license when fishing Florida waters.
Standard License Options
| License Type | Resident Fee | Non-Resident Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater | $17.00 | $47.00 | Annual |
| Saltwater | $17.00 | $47.00 | Annual |
| Combination (Fresh/Salt) | $32.50 | $71.00 | Annual |
| 3-Day Freshwater | N/A | $17.00 | 3 consecutive days |
| 7-Day Freshwater | N/A | $30.00 | 7 consecutive days |
| 3-Day Saltwater | N/A | $17.00 | 3 consecutive days |
| 7-Day Saltwater | N/A | $30.00 | 7 consecutive days |
You can purchase licenses through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website, at license agents, tax collector offices, or by calling 888-FISH-FLORIDA.
Important Exemptions
Several groups may qualify for license exemptions:
- Florida residents fishing from shore with a free shoreline saltwater fishing license
- Youth under 16 years of age
- Adults fishing on their homestead property
- Military personnel with specific designations
For a complete list of exemptions, visit US Fishing Licenses’ Florida page.
Night-Specific Fishing Regulations
While standard fishing regulations apply at night, several special rules govern after-dark angling activities in Florida waters.
Permitted Methods After Dark
Night fishing methods vary between game fish and non-game fish:
- Game Fish (bass, crappie, etc.): Only legal to take with pole and line or rod and reel at any time.
- Non-Game Fish: May be taken at night using:
- Bow and arrow
- Gigs (in certain waters)
- Bush hooks, setlines, or trotlines (limited to 25 hooks total)
Night bowfishing is specifically permitted in freshwater, and in some regions, night bowfishing tournaments don’t require special permits.
Equipment Requirements
All bush hooks, setlines, and trotlines used at night must be clearly marked with the harvester’s name and address while being used in Florida waters. This requirement helps enforcement officers monitor compliance with regulations.
For boat-based night fishing, vessels must have proper navigation lights and safety equipment. Boats 16 feet or longer need at least 3 nighttime distress signals.
Location-Specific Night Regulations
Certain areas in Florida have unique night fishing rules that anglers must follow.
Wildlife Refuges
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge permits night sport fishing only from boats in the open waters of Indian River, Banana River, and Mosquito Lagoon with a special permit. Key requirements include:
- Self-issuing Night Fishing Permit must be filled out and carried by each angler
- Bank fishing is prohibited after sunset
- Nighttime boat launching restricted to Beacon 42 Fish Camp and Bairs Cove
- Air thrust boats, hovercraft, and personal watercraft are prohibited
Restricted Areas
Some locations prohibit night fishing entirely or have special restrictions:
- Monroe County prohibits night diving for spiny lobster during sport season
- Many municipal parks and some state parks close access after sunset
- Some areas near critical wildlife habitat may have seasonal night restrictions
For local restrictions, check with regional FWC offices or visit US Fishing Licenses’ Florida regulations page.
Species-Specific Night Regulations
Several popular game fish have special regulations that apply day and night, but are particularly important for night anglers to understand.
Saltwater Species
Snook: One of Florida’s most sought-after night fishing targets
- Closed season December through February
- Size limits: 28-32 inches (slot limit)
- Bag limits vary by region
- Night fishing particularly productive during summer months
Red Drum (Redfish):
- Size limits: 18-27 inches
- Bag limit: Generally one fish per person per day
- Often more active during evening hours
Freshwater Species
Night regulations for freshwater game fish follow standard daytime rules with these limits:
- Black Bass: 5 daily, only one may be 16 inches or longer
- Panfish: 50 daily
- Crappie: 25 daily
Night Fishing Methods and Techniques
Different waters and target species require specific approaches for successful and legal night fishing.
Freshwater Night Tactics
Bowfishing is particularly popular at night in Florida’s freshwater systems:
- Legal for taking non-game fish
- Requires proper lighting equipment
- Most effective in shallow, clear waters
- Cannot be used for taking game fish
Bush hooks and trotlines are traditional night fishing methods:
- Must be properly labeled with angler’s name and address
- Limited to 25 hooks total
- Cannot be baited with live game fish or parts of game fish
- Must be checked regularly
Saltwater Night Strategies
Night fishing in saltwater typically focuses on structure near lighted areas where baitfish concentrate. Most effective methods include:
- Live bait fishing around bridges, docks, and piers
- Artificial lures with reflective or glow-in-the-dark components
- Bottom fishing at inlets and passes
Visit US Fishing Licenses’ Florida saltwater license page for more details on saltwater regulations.
Safety Requirements for Night Fishing
Safety is paramount when fishing after dark in Florida waters.
Boating Safety Requirements
All vessels operating between sunset and sunrise must have:
- Proper navigation lights visible from specified distances
- U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets for all passengers
- Vessels 16 feet or longer require 3 nighttime distress signals
- Sound-producing device (horn or whistle)
Personal Safety Considerations
Night anglers should also:
- Inform someone of your fishing location and expected return time
- Carry multiple light sources with backup batteries
- Have communications equipment (fully charged phone)
- Bring insect repellent (mosquitoes are particularly active at dusk)
- Watch for wildlife, including alligators in freshwater
Conclusion: Enjoying Florida’s Night Fishing Legally
Florida offers world-class night fishing opportunities throughout the year. By obtaining the proper licenses, understanding species-specific regulations, and adhering to area-specific rules, anglers can enjoy productive and memorable nighttime fishing experiences.
Always check for the most current regulations before heading out, as rules may change seasonally. Visit Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or US Fishing Licenses for the latest updates on night fishing regulations.
Whether you’re targeting snook around illuminated docks, bowfishing for mullet in freshwater systems, or bottom fishing for snapper at night, understanding these special regulations ensures your night fishing adventures remain both legal and sustainable.
