Do Visitors Need a License to Fish in Florida?
Fishing is usually at the top of the to-do list when RVers visit Florida, but before you drop your line in the water, ask; are you in compliance with Florida’s fishing regulations? If your answer is no, then you need to read this blog.
Out-of-state fishing and hunting licenses are not valid in Florida. If you are 16 years or older and you intend to hunt or fish, even if you just catch and release. You are required to have a Florida hunting, freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing licenses.
That being said, there are a few exceptions to these rules.
You don’t need a Florida saltwater fishing license or a snook and spiny lobster permit if…
- You fish from a charter, guide or party boat that has a valid vessel license.
- You fish from a boat, the captain of which has a valid recreational saltwater vessel license issued in their name.
- It’s a free fishing day.
- First Saturday and Sunday in June
- First Saturday in September
- Saturday following Thanksgiving
- You have a valid saltwater products license or FWC charter captain license (does not apply to charter boat license or U.S. Coast Guard license).
You can fish from a pier for recreational purposes, but you still need a valid pier saltwater fishing license.
You don’t need a Florida freshwater fishing license if….
- You’re fishing from a man-made pond of 20 acres or less, with no surface water connection to public waters, which is located entirely within the private property of its owner.
- You’re fishing in a fish pond of 20 acres or more, whose owner has purchased a fish pond license.
- It’s a free fishing day.
- First Saturday and Sunday in April
- Second Saturday and Sunday in June
- You’re fishing in the St. Mary’s River or Lake Seminole (but not including tributary creeks in Florida) and have a valid Georgia fishing license.
For more information on Florida fishing and hunting laws, visit http://myfwc.com/license/recreational/visitors/.
