Florida law states that certain anglers are required to purchase and possess a Florida Saltwater Fishing license any time they are fishing in the saltwater areas of the state. But not every angler is required to carry this license. Exceptions to this requirement are those anglers who are under the age of 16 and over the age of 64 as long as they have proof of their Florida residency and age, members of the Armed Forces who are residents of Florida and home or on leave for up to 30 days, anyone who can prove that they are a developmental disabilities services client with the Children and Family Services, a resident who fishes in saltwater while on land or on a structure that is fixed to land. The exemptions also pertain to anyone who fishes from a vessel that is considered for-hire such as a charter boat, a guide boat or a party boat and has the proper valid vessel license, anyone who fishes from a vessel that is properly licensed in the name of the operator of that vessel, anyone holding a saltwater products license, anyone who holds pier saltwater fishing license and fishes from a pier, anyone who fishes saltwater fish from a freshwater location while on land or on a structure fixed to land, anyone who fishes for mullet in freshwater and holds a Florida Freshwater Fishing License and finally, anyone who is employed by the commission and has to take fish as part of their duties with the commission or for scientific or educational purposes.
Residents of Florida can choose from a Gold Sportsman’s License, Military Gold Sportsman’s License, Annual Saltwater Fishing License, Saltwater and Freshwater Fishing Combination and Saltwater License, Freshwater Fishing and Hunting Combination License. Residents of Florida can also choose to purchase a Lifetime or a Five-Year License. If the resident purchases one of these licenses the license remains valid even if the holder of the license moves to another state. Lifetime Licenses can be purchased by parents, grandparents and family friends for the special young person in their life and the cost of the licenses depends on the age of the person for which it is being bought. These Lifetime and Five Year Licenses include the Lifetime Sportsman’s License, Lifetime Saltwater Fishing License or a Five-Year Saltwater Fishing License.
Non-Residents of Florida can choose from an Annual Saltwater Fishing License, a 3-Day Saltwater Fishing License or a 7-Day Saltwater Fishing License.
Several permits are available and required for some anglers. But, if you are not one of the anglers who have to purchase a fishing license then you do not have to purchase a permit either. The permits that are available include Snook Permit, a Lobster Permit and a Tarpon Tag.
