Fishing in Florida
Florida is the most diverse fishery in the lower 48. Lake Okeechobee, the Kissimmee chain, Rodman Reservoir, and Stick Marsh consistently produce double-digit largemouth, the state-record bass swim here. The saltwater menu is even bigger: tarpon in Boca Grande, snook through the Everglades and Indian River Lagoon, redfish and seatrout statewide, bonefish and permit in the Keys, and offshore action for mahi, sailfish, and swordfish in the Gulf Stream. FWC manages both fresh and salt under one roof.
License Types & Fees
| License | Fee |
|---|---|
| Resident Freshwater Annual | $17.00 |
| Resident Saltwater Annual | $17.00 |
| Resident Combination Freshwater + Saltwater | $32.50 |
| Resident 5-Year Freshwater | $79.00 |
| Resident 5-Year Saltwater | $79.00 |
| Resident Gold Sportsman's Annual | $100.00 |
| Resident Gold Sportsman's 5-Year | $494.00 |
| Non-Resident Annual Freshwater | $47.00 |
| Non-Resident Annual Saltwater | $47.00 |
| Non-Resident 3-Day Freshwater | $17.00 |
| Non-Resident 3-Day Saltwater | $17.00 |
| Non-Resident 7-Day Freshwater | $30.00 |
| Non-Resident 7-Day Saltwater | $30.00 |
| Snook Permit Annual Required to keep snook | $10.00 |
| Snook Permit 5-Year (Resident) | $50.00 |
| Spiny Lobster Permit Annual | $5.00 |
| Spiny Lobster Permit 5-Year (Resident) | $25.00 |
| Tarpon Tag Annual Available at tax collector offices only | $51.50 |
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current pricing on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website before purchasing.
Vendors may add a $0.50 issuance fee. All sales are final.
Log Your Florida Catches
CatchVault is available on iOS. Identify species with AI, measure with LiDAR, and keep a private journal of every fish you land in Florida.
Florida Fishing License FAQ
How much does a Florida fishing license cost?
A resident freshwater annual fishing license in Florida costs $17.00. Fees vary by residency, age, and license type, see the full breakdown above for short-term, non-resident, and senior options.
Where can I buy a Florida fishing license?
Florida fishing licenses are sold online by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and are also available from authorized retailers, bait shops, and sporting goods stores across the state.
Who issues fishing licenses in Florida?
Fishing licenses in Florida are issued by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.