| If you're a fisherman who's new to Florida you are | | | | citizens over 65 don't need licenses in the state. |
| probably asking yourself the questions: do I need a | | | | Senior citizens who live in Florida will need to have |
| fishing license and if so what sort of license do I | | | | proof of residency or a Resident Senior Hunting and |
| need to get? According to the Florida Fish and | | | | Fishing Certificate to fish without a license. Disabled |
| Wildlife Commission (the state agency that issues | | | | people will need a certificate from the state to fish |
| licenses) you don't need a freshwater fishing license | | | | without a license. |
| if: | | | | Under these criteria most people will have to get |
| - You are a Florida resident who is fishing with live or | | | | Saltwater and Freshwater fishing licenses if they |
| natural bait and using a pole that doesn't have a line | | | | want to fish in Florida. Some individuals may have to |
| retrieval mechanism (reel). | | | | buy permits if they are fishing for certain kinds of |
| - You are fishing in you're the county where you live | | | | fish. |
| with the bait and tackle described above. | | | | A Florida resident who fishes from a boat will pay |
| - You're fishing at a private fish pond. | | | | $17 a year for an annual saltwater fishing license or |
| - You possess a valid Georgia license and you are | | | | $79 for a five-year license. A resident can also buy a |
| fishing in the St. Mary's River or Lake Seminole | | | | $32.50 a year combination saltwater and freshwater |
| - You're fishing during the first weekend in April which | | | | license. Combination fishing and hunting licenses are |
| is free fishing weekend. | | | | also available. |
| - You are under 16 years old. | | | | A non resident can buy an annual Saltwater fishing |
| - You are over 65 old. | | | | license for $47 a year. Short term visitors to Florida |
| You won't need a Saltwater license in Florida waters | | | | might save some money by buying short term |
| if you meet the following criteria: | | | | licenses a three day Saltwater fishing license costs |
| - You are fishing from a charter or party boat that | | | | $17 and a seven day saltwater fishing license costs |
| has a valid license. | | | | $30. |
| - You're fishing from a vessel owned by a person | | | | People going after Snook will have to get a $2 annual |
| with a valid license. | | | | Snook permit while those looking for lobster will have |
| - You are under 16 years old. | | | | to buy $2 annual lobster permit. Persons looking to |
| - You are over 65 years old. | | | | real in a tarpon will have to get a Tarpon Tag for |
| A great thing about Florida law is that disabled | | | | $51.50. |
| people, children under 16 years old and resident senior | | | | |