Florida Fishing License Information

The magnificent Marlin, above, does not come to the boat without a huge fight.

Most everyone who fishes in Florida is required to have a fishing license. With such a diverse and bountiful fishery, it is no surprise that Florida has separate saltwater and freshwater fishing licenses. Though Key West, since there is no fresh water fishing, requires only the saltwater license.

The regulations and requirements for fishing in Florida are easy to understand.

• If you are fishing from a boat, age 16 or older, you must have a fishing license.
• Charter boats carry a license for their passengers, so those anglers are covered.
• If you bring your own boat, you will need your own fishing license.
• Residents of the state of Florida who are fishing from land, bridge, or pier, do not need a fishing license. Then again, if you are a Florida resident interested in fishing, you should be supporting the fisheries with the affordable resident license.
• If you are a are a non-resident fishing from land, bridge, or pier, you will need to obtain a fishing license.

Exceptions to the rules:

• Florida residents who are members of the United States Armed Forces and not stationed in this state, when home on leave for 30 days or less, upon submission of orders.
• Any person fishing who has been accepted as a client for developmental disabilities services by the Children and Family Services, provided the department furnishes proof thereof.
• Any resident 65 years of age or older who has in her or his possession proof of age and residency. A no-cost license under this paragraph may be obtained from any tax collector's office upon proof of age and residency and must be in the possession of the resident during saltwater fishing activities.

There are some other regulations and exceptions. Usually, those affected will know who they are (educational, commission employees). All the regulations can be seen at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website.

Purchasing a license

To purchase a license online:

• visit the Florida Conservation website. There, you can purchase a license that will be valid when you are planning to fish Key West.
• Or if you prefer, you can call up their toll free number and buy a license 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They can be reached at 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA.
• You can also buy a fishing license at many bait and tackle shops, as well as the Monroe County Tax Collectors office on White Street and Truman Ave in Key West. But since you obviously are a planner, take care of that license before you get to Key West and then you can focus on where that fish is hiding.