Florida Freshwater Fishing License

How to Obtain a Florida Freshwater Fishing License: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Determine Eligibility:

• Ensure you are eligible for a Florida freshwater fishing license. Residents and non-residents of Florida can apply, but age restrictions may apply. Generally, individuals 16 years of age and older need a fishing license.

1. Choose the License Type:

• Decide on the type of license you need. Options include:
• Annual Freshwater Fishing License: Valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
• 5-Year Freshwater Fishing License: Valid for 5 years from the date of purchase.
• Daily Freshwater Fishing License: Valid for a single day.
• Combination License: Includes both freshwater and saltwater fishing.

1. Gather Required Information:

• Prepare necessary information such as:
• Full name
• Address
• Date of birth
• Driver’s license number or state ID (for residents)
• Social Security Number (for residents)

1. Choose a Purchasing Method:

• Online: Visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website or the GoOutdoorsFlorida website to purchase your license.
• In-Person: Purchase a license at an authorized retail agent such as a sporting goods store, bait shop, or county tax collector’s office.
• By Phone: Call the FWC licensing office or a licensing vendor to purchase by phone, though online and in-person are typically more convenient.

1. Complete the Application:

• If purchasing online or by phone, follow the prompts to complete the application. You will need to provide personal information, select the license type, and pay the fee.
• If purchasing in-person, fill out the required form with the help of the agent.

1. Pay the Fee:

• Fees vary based on the type of license and residency status. Payment methods typically include credit/debit cards for online and phone purchases, and cash or card for in-person transactions.

1. Receive Your License:

• Online/Phone: After payment, you will receive a confirmation email with a printable license or a reference number. Save or print this document.
• In-Person: You will receive a physical copy of the license immediately upon completion of the transaction.

1. Review Regulations:

• Make sure to review Florida’s freshwater fishing regulations, including size and bag limits, restricted areas, and specific rules that may apply to different types of fishing.

1. Carry Your License:

• When fishing, you must carry your license with you. For online and phone purchases, this may be a printed copy or a digital copy on your smartphone.

1. Renew as Needed:

• If you purchase an annual or multi-year license, remember to renew it before it expires. You can set reminders or opt for auto-renewal if available.