3 Reasons To Get a Florida Fishing License

A saying goes, “The worst day of fishing beats the best day of working”. If you’re an avid fisherman, you understand the sentiment of this saying. Something is soothing about relaxing with a fishing pole in your hand, waiting for a bite.

Before you grab your fishing pole and head to your favorite fishing spot, make sure you have a Florida fishing license. The last thing you’ll want is to have a fun day cut short because you haven’t filled out some paperwork.

Instead of going through the hassle and paying fines, getting a fishing license is a breeze. Not only that, there are a few other reasons why you should have one. Here’s why you need one.

white and blue boat on sea during daytime

Fishing on a white and blue boat on the sea during daytime PC Chase Baker on Unsplash

Table of Contents

1. Almost Everyone Needs a Florida Fishing License

The Florida government is serious about having a license to fish. Even if all you’re doing is baiting their hook or setting up gear, you need a license.

Anyone that isn’t a resident of Florida over the age of 16 needs to have a license. Residents also need to carry a license if they fall between the ages of 16 and 65. Senior citizens can fish in most cases without a license.

There are some exceptions for who’s required to carry a fishing license in Florida. People can fish in saltwater while on a charter or a pier, without the need for a license.

Residents with disabilities can fish as long as they have a hunting and fishing license for the disabled. Members of the military can fish without a license for up to a month if they are from Florida. Also, residents receiving assistance, like food stamps, can fish from the land without one.

If you don’t fall into any of these categories, check out this guide on how to get Florida fishing licenses.

Photo by Hunter Brumels on Unsplash

2. There Are Licenses for Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing

If you want to catch different kinds of fish, you should get a freshwater license and a saltwater license. Saltwater licenses cover fishing in oceans, bays, and lagoons. Freshwater licenses allow for fishing in rivers and lakes.

If you’re fishing in a location that has a mixture of saltwater and freshwater, you need to be careful. Licenses cover the kinds of fish you can catch. If you catch a fish in one of these locations your license doesn’t cover, you may be fined.

You should get both licenses if you want to catch different kinds of fish. Otherwise, you should release any fish your license does not cover.

3. You May Need Additional Permits

Certain types of aquatic animals require additional permits for fishermen to catch them. If you plan to fish for snook, tarpon, or spiny lobster, you need to secure an additional permit.
Fishermen also need additional free permits to fish for stone crab, blue crab, and sharks from shore. If you plan to fish from a private boat, you’ll also need a free permit to catch snapper and grouper.

Fish Without Worry with a Fishing License

If you want to cast a line in the water this summer, you need to pick up a Florida fishing license. Depending on where you want to fish, you’ll need freshwater and/or a saltwater license. If you plan to fish for special kinds of aquatic creatures, you may also need a special permit.
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