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Florida Fishing License: Cost and Where to Buy
A resident annual Florida fishing license costs $17 and a nonresident annual license $47, with a 3-day nonresident option at $17, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Here is who needs one, every license type and price, and where to buy it.
Prices
Florida fishing license prices
| License | Who | Covers | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Annual Freshwater | Resident | freshwater | annual | $17 |
| Resident Five-Year Freshwater | Resident | freshwater | 5-year | $79 |
| Resident Annual Saltwater | Resident | saltwater | annual | $17 |
| Resident Five-Year Saltwater | Resident | saltwater | 5-year | $79 |
| Resident Annual Saltwater Shoreline-Only | Resident | saltwater from shore | annual | Free |
| Annual Resident Saltwater|Freshwater Combination | Resident | all | annual | $32.50 |
| Annual Resident Gold Sportsman's License | Resident | all + hunting | annual | $100 |
| Silver Sportsman's 64+ (annual) | Resident | freshwater + hunting | annual | $13.50 |
| Non-Resident Annual Freshwater | Nonresident | freshwater | annual | $47 |
| Non-Resident 3-Day Freshwater | Nonresident | freshwater | 3-day | $17 |
| Non-Resident 7-Day Freshwater | Nonresident | freshwater | 7-day | $30 |
| Non-Resident Annual Saltwater | Nonresident | saltwater | annual | $47 |
| Non-Resident 3-Day Saltwater | Nonresident | saltwater | 3-day | $17 |
| Non-Resident 7-Day Saltwater | Nonresident | saltwater | 7-day | $30 |
| Snook Permit | Resident | snook | annual | $10 |
| Spiny Lobster Permit | Resident | spiny lobster | annual | $5 |
Prices from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), checked October 2026. Some vendors add a small processing or agent fee. Prices change – confirm on the official license site before you buy.
Rules
Who needs a Florida fishing license
- Who needs one: Anyone who casts a line, including catch and release, unless exempt (under 16, Florida residents 65+).
- Kids: Under 16 exempt (optional youth licenses for ages 8-15).
- Seniors: Florida residents 65+ exempt with proof of age/residency (free optional Resident 65+ Hunt/Fish Certificate).
- Saltwater: Separate saltwater license (or combo) required; residents get a free shoreline-only saltwater license; free State Reef Fish Angler designation required for 16+ fishing certain reef fish from a private vessel. Per FWC, people on NOAA's registry must have a Florida license unless exempt.
- On a charter: Anglers on a for-hire vessel (guide, charter or party boat) with a valid charter license are exempt from the saltwater license and snook/lobster permits.
Fish with a local
Fishing charters in Florida
Charter captains and guides we list in Florida, A to Z on each town page.
Questions
Florida fishing license questions
How much is a fishing license in Florida?
A resident annual license is $17 and a nonresident annual license is $47, and a 3-day nonresident license is $17. Full list above, from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Who needs a fishing license in Florida?
Anyone who casts a line, including catch and release, unless exempt (under 16, Florida residents 65+).
Do I need a fishing license on a charter in Florida?
Anglers on a for-hire vessel (guide, charter or party boat) with a valid charter license are exempt from the saltwater license and snook/lobster permits.
Where do I buy a Florida fishing license?
Online from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at gooutdoorsflorida.com, or from licensed sporting-goods and bait shops.
Sources:
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