Saltwater Fishing Licenses

You do not need a saltwater fishing license if –

• You are a Florida resident 65 years of age or over.   Florida residents who are 65 or older need only provide proof of age and residency to any Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
• You are child under the age of 16 years.
• You are a resident who is a member of the United States Armed Forces and not stationed in Florida but home on leave for 30 days or less.  You need only provide orders to any Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
• You are fishing from a for-hire vessel – guide, charter, or party boat – that has a valid vessel license.
•  You are a Florida resident who is a member of the United States Armed Forces, who is not stationed in this state, while on leave for 30 days or less, upon submission of orders.
• Residents who are 100% disabled may present Certification by the U.S. Social Security Administration or Certification by U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs to the Tax Collector’s office. Upon approval an exemption card will be issued and renewable every two years for Social Security and every five years for Veterans. Licenses received immediately.

A Saltwater license is required for —

• Anyone fishing from a leisure craft.  Each person fishing must have a license on his or her person.
• Anyone fishing from a sandbar or other landmass that is accessible by boat, or by swimming though water deeper that three feet.
• Anyone diving, who takes, attempts to take, or possess any marine fish.
• Fishing from the shoreline in saltwater. There is no fee.
• All non-residents fishing in saltwater (excluding non-residents fishing from a licensed pier.
• Anyone who operates any vessel wherein a fee is paid either directly or indirectly for the purpose of taking, attempting to take, or possessing any marine fish for non-commercial purposes.  A separate license is required for each vessel or as an individual.

 An additional fishing permit is required to catch snook or crawfish.

License fees are based on whether you are a Florida resident or a non-resident.  To be a resident you must have lived in Florida for six continuous months prior to the issuance of a license and intend to continue to reside in Florida and claim Florida as your primary residence.  Any member of the United States Armed Forces, who is stationed in this state, is considered a resident for the purpose of licensing fees.  Their spouse and dependent children residing in the household would also get resident rate licenses.