Florida
Fishing License 2026.

License required?

Yes

Where to apply?

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Online, by phone (888-347-4356), or retail (Walmart, bait shops, marinas).

Cost

Resident: $17 freshwater annual, $17 saltwater annual, $32.50 combo. Non-resident: $47 saltwater 7-day, $17 saltwater 3-day, $47 freshwater 7-day. Shoreline saltwater (resident only): free.

Validity

Annual, 7-day, or 3-day

Available online?

Yes

Florida is the 'Fishing Capital of the World' — more world records set here than anywhere else. Required for ages 16+. Residents fishing from shore in saltwater need only a free shoreline license; non-residents need the paid 3-day or 7-day saltwater license. Separate snook/lobster/tarpon permits required.

Closed seasons

Snook: closed Dec 15 – Jan 31 + Jun 1 – Aug 31 (Atlantic) / May 1 – Aug 31 (Gulf). Grouper: varies by species and region. Tarpon: year-round catch-and-release with tag required.

Catch limits

Largemouth bass: 5/day none under 16". Snook: 1/day slot 28–32" (Atlantic) / 28–33" (Gulf). Redfish: 1/day 18–27" slot. Grouper: 2/day combined.

Prohibited methods

Goliath grouper, sawfish, any shark — catch-and-release only. Spearfishing prohibited in some reef protected areas.

Catch & Release

Mandatory for tarpon (with tag), goliath grouper, sawfish, Atlantic bluefin tuna. Encouraged for all billfish.

Florida uses slot limits to protect breeders. Snook permit ($10/year) required separately. Lobster permit required for sport lobster season. Stone crab season Oct 15 – May 1.

Best season

Tarpon: May–July (Boca Grande peak). Billfish: April–September. Bass: Year-round, best Dec–April. Snook: open seasons only.

Freshwater

7,700+ lakes + 12,000 miles of rivers. Lake Okeechobee + the St. Johns River hold trophy largemouth; Miami canals for peacock bass (introduced).

Saltwater

1,350 miles of coastline. Keys flats for bonefish/permit/tarpon. Gulf coast for grouper/snapper. Atlantic for sailfish/mahi. Inshore bays year-round.

Equipment

Bass Pro, West Marine, countless tackle shops. Fly shops in Islamorada, Key West, Stuart, Sanibel. Live bait readily available.

Fishing guides

$500–$800/day inshore flats (tarpon/bonefish — 2 anglers). Offshore sailfish/mahi: $1,200–$2,500/day.

Transport

MIA, FLL, TPA, JAX, MCO all major hubs. Rental car essential. Marinas in every coastal city.

Safety

Hurricane season Jun–Nov — monitor forecasts. Lightning strikes are the #1 hazard in summer afternoons — exit the water at first thunder. Alligators in all freshwater. Jellyfish seasonal.

License fees

$17–$47 annual depending on water + residency

Guide prices

$500–$800 inshore flats; $1,200–$2,500 offshore

Daily budget

Budget: $100–$150/day (public access). Charter: $500–$2,500/day.