For questions concerning regulations, fishing seasons, size and bag limits, or anything that is not covered in this handout, please visit the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website (https://myfwc.com/) or call 1.888.FISH.FLORIDA (1.888.347.4356).
An appointment is required to process any hunting and fishing license/permit transaction at our Driver License Branch – our other branch locations cannot sell hunting and fishing licenses/permits. Visit taxcollector.com to schedule an appointment.
1. Where can I purchase saltwater fishing licenses?
- Online from the FWC at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com
- Via the “Fish | Hunt” FL App (available on Apple and Android devices)
- By phone at 1.888.FISH.FLORIDA (1.888.347.4356)
- At most sporting goods, bait/tackle, and Wal-Mart stores
- At select tax collector offices*
*It is recommended to contact your local tax collector’s office ahead of time to ensure they sell hunting and fishing licenses/permits.
2. At what age am I required to have a saltwater fishing license?
Both Florida and non-Florida residents ages 16-64 are required to have a saltwater fishing license. A 3-day, 7-day, or annual saltwater fishing license is available for non-residents.
3. Are Florida Residents age 65 and older required to purchase a saltwater fishing license?
No. Florida residents age 65 and older are eligible to fish or hunt without a license, provided they carry proof of age and residency with them (e.g. their Florida driver license). Non-Florida residents must purchase a license, regardless of age.
4. What is a shoreline fishing license and when is it required?
Any Florida resident age 16-64 who is fishing from shore or a pier will be required to have a shoreline fishing license. Residents who are eligible for food stamps, temporary cash assistance, or Medicaid do not need this license. If eligible for this exemption, proof of ID and a benefit/program ID card from the Department of Children and Family Services or the Agency for Health Care Administration must be on your person when fishing.
5. If I already have a saltwater fishing license, do I need the shoreline fishing license?
No, your resident saltwater fishing license already allows you to fish from the shore, a dock, a jetty, or a boat. If you hold any other license that allows saltwater fishing, you will not need to purchase the shoreline fishing license either.
6. Are there any additional permits I need to purchase along with my saltwater fishing license?
An additional permit is needed when fishing for snook, crawfish (includes lobster) or tarpon.
7. Can I purchase a saltwater fishing license for someone else?
You may purchase a resident license for an immediate family member (parent, spouse, child), or a non-resident license for anyone. You must be able to provide their date of birth and one of the following:
- Customer number from a previous Florida fishing or hunting license,
- Driver license number, or
- Social Security number.
Note: If purchasing a non-resident license, you will need their driver license number, Social Security number, and their date of birth.
8. How can I obtain the Persons with Disabilities Fishing License?
The Persons with Disabilities Fishing License can only be obtained online from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com; our office does not issue these licenses. Refer to the FWC’s website (https://myfwc.com/license/accessibility/hunt-fish/) for additional information.
9. Acceptable Methods of Payment and Estimated Fees
Our office accepts cash, check, debit cards, and credit cards. A $2.50 processing fee for debit cards and a 2.5% processing fee (minimum of $2.50) for credit cards will apply. Our office does not retain any portion of this fee.
- Florida Resident (1 year license) - $17.00
- Florida Resident Youth* - $17.00
- Florida Resident (5 year license) - $79.00
- Non-Resident (1 year license) - $47.00
- Non-Resident (7-day license) - $30.00
- Non-Resident (3-day license) - $17.00
- Hard, Credit Card-Style License (mailed) - $10.00
*Optional for youth ages 8 to 15 and valid until 17th birthday.