Florida Fishing Licenses, Rules and Regulations

Florida's fishing licenses, rules and regulations are aimed at helping to protect one of Florida's vital resources, and to keep you safe.
 

Florida’s policies are designed to help ensure the safety of everyone in the Sunshine State, visitors and residents alike, and to help make sure that this most important economic engine and recreational activity is protected and maintained for future generations.

Anglers are estimated to contribute more than four billion dollars annually directly to the state’s coffers, which has a $7.5 billion economic impact, making fishing a blockbuster earner. In return, almost four million people who fish in Florida enjoy some of the most spectacular recreational fishing opportunities in the world – year-round.

While some anglers don't have to be licensed, all should know the rules. In fact, you're legally required to be familiar with the rules and regulations governing the type of fishing you're doing. And if you don't know the rules, you might end up breaking them, which could mean a fine or, in extreme cases, imprisonment. If you break the rules, ignorance isn't a defense-- so read up!

Fishing Licenses

Here's where to find information about Florida fishing licenses.

Saltwater fishing licenses

Freshwater fishing licenses

Recreational licenses

Fishing Rules

Florida has addional rules and regulations for freshwater fishing and for saltwater fishing, which you can check out here:

Freshwater rules & regulations

Saltwater rules & regulations
 

Boating Rules

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission strongly recommends that anglers planning to fish from boats be familiar with Florida’s boating regulations. As with fishing, some boats and operators must be licensed. Check out boating regulations
 

More Questions?

Youll find a lot more information at www.MyFWC.com/Fishing, including freshwater stocking locations, fishing sites and forecasts, and a fish ID page.

But if you have questions or need clarification, don't hesitate to get the information you need to make your Florida fishing experience fabulous. You can contact the FWC by email at myfwc.com/contact/, or by telephone at 850-488-4676.