With the warm spring weather on the brink and everyone getting the itch to hit the water now’s a good time to check and make sure your fishing license is current. Last August the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) implemented the shoreline saltwater fishing license, which anglers who fish from shore or a structure affixed to shore must buy.
Who needs a license?
Resident licenses can be purchased by any person who has resided in Florida for 6 continuous months prior to the issuance of a license and who claims Florida as his/her primary residence or any member of the United States Armed Forces who is stationed in Florida (includes spouse and dependent children residing in the household).
You do not need a hunting, freshwater fishing, or saltwater fishing license if you are a child under 16 years of age, you are a Florida resident age 65 or older possessing proof of age and residency, you are a Florida resident certified as totally and permanently disabled and you possess a Florida Resident Disabled Person Hunting and Fishing Certificate, or you are a resident who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, you are not stationed in this state, and you are home on leave for 30 days or less, upon submission of orders.
Buying a License
Fishing and hunting licenses can be purchased from the tax collectors office for the amount shown or from a license vendor such as tackle stores for the license cost plus an issuance fee.
They can be purchased over the phone by calling 888-HUNT-FLORIDA (486-8356) or 888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356). A $3.25 + 2.5% surcharge of total sale per person will be added to your purchase.
If you would like to buy one online you can follow the links at myfwc.com. A $2.25 + 2.5% surcharge of total sale per person will be added to your purchase.
Where to fish without a license?
The only places you can fish in Florida without a fishing license are on piers or charter boats that possess a license that covers everyone. Several good places for land locked anglers in Pensacola that provide a license are the Pensacola Bay Fishing Bridge, Pensacola Beach Gulf Fishing Pier, and Fort Pickens Pier.
Cost of License
Annual Saltwater Fishing
1-year $17.00
5-year $79.00
Nonresident Saltwater
Annual $47.00
3-Day $17.00
7-Day $30.00
Saltwater Shoreline
$9.00
Annual Freshwater Fishing
1-year $17.00
5-year $79.00
Nonresident Freshwater
1-year $47.00
3-Day $17.00
7-Day $30.00
Saltwater/Freshwater Combo
1-year $32.50
Saltwater/Freshwater/Hunting Combo
1-year $48.00
- Captain Chris Phillips
