Saltwater Fishing License
In order to obtain a saltwater resident fishing license in the state of Florida, you will be
required to present certain documents that act as proof of residency. Certain acceptable documents
include your Florida drivers license, identification card of your FL military orders. If you do not
have any of the aforementioned in your possession, then you can request a FL license to fish by
presenting alternate proof of residency. Documents that will be accepted in this category include the
following: Florida Homestead Exemption, FL Voter Registration Card or Declaration of Domicile from
your county clerk's office.
If you are a visitor of the state, there are certain instances in which you do not have to apply for
a saltwater non resident fishing license. For example, you do not need to obtain a saltwater fishing
license if you fall in one of the groups below:
- You are engaging in saltwater fishing on Free Fishing Days.
- You are a nonresident visiting Florida less than 16.
- You are fishing from a for-hire vessel with a valid vessel license and this vessel is either a
party boat, charter or a guide.
- You hold a saltwater products license or a FWC charter captain license.
- You are saltwater fishing from a vessel in which the operator has a valid fishing license.
- You are saltwater fishing for recreational reasons from a pier and you hold a valid pier saltwater
license.
Read more
Freshwater Fishing License
If you are a FL resident who is interested in freshwater fishing, you will then need to obtain the
proper recreational fishing license. Florida also offers a lifetime freshwater fishing license, but
first, you will be required to present proof of residency in order to proceed. When requesting a
freshwater license, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will accept various
documents, including your FL drivers license or ID card. If you are less than 18, you can submit your
student ID card, along with your parent's proof of residency instead. Those in the military who are
stationed in the state can show current military orders.
Individuals who are more than 65 and residing in Florida are not required to obtain a freshwater
fishing license. Nonetheless, you are welcome to request a senior fishing card at no cost when
visiting your local tax county collector's office.
If you intend to freshwater fish for many years to come, then obtaining a lifetime freshwater
fishing license may be the best choice. Florida offers three lifetime sportsman's licenses:
- Four years old or younger
- Five to 12 years old
- Thirteen years and older
You also need to present proof of residency when applying for this FL fishing license.
Read more
Education
If you are an angler who would like to learn everything there is to know about fishing in Florida
waters, you can benefit from a wide array of educational courses, guided fishing programs and
informational material online. More often than not you will find that several bait and tackle shops,
as well as sporting retail stores, hold year-round special events to educate the public. Whether
you're an adult, a teacher or a family engaging in the sport of fishing, the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission is also an excellent source for a number of learning opportunities.
The FFWCC makes it easy for you to learn about all the different types of fish species you can
expect to find in Florida. All across the state, a Free Kids' Fishing Clinic Day is often hosted for
children who want to educate themselves about marine life. This special event is designed for kids
between the ages of five and 15.
As fun and educational as outdoor adventures like fishing can be, it is also important to make
fishing safety a priority on your list. Keep yourself educated about both freshwater and saltwater
regulations in Florida, that way next time you set off on your fishing vacation, you'll be more than
well prepared for the day ahead.
Read more
Accommodations
Florida is undoubtedly one of the best locations for any fishing enthusiast. Surrounded by clear
blue waters, many anglers will find ideal destinations to embark on their ultimate fishing adventures.
Some of the best fishing spots in FL include the following: Everglades National Park, Mosquito Lagoon,
The Forgotten Coast, The Florida Keys and Lake Okeechobee. Many fishing locations in the state have
hotels close to marinas, providing greater convenience during your fishing vacation.
When preparing for your fishing trip, you may want to look at the number of different options
available. For example, some of these may include getting to your destination by plane, by car, by
charter boat or by seaplane, just to name a few. If you are on a tight budget, renting a car or
booking a flight may be the more financially feasible option. Either way, many companies and agencies
often offer great deals and special discounts, so it doesn't hurt to contact them in advance to find
out what you can take advantage of before your Florida fishing excursion.
If you are unfamiliar with the fishing location you are traveling to, you should also consider
hiring a licensed fishing guide. A fishing expert will be able to provide you with endless knowledge
about everything from various fish species to top marinas in the area.
Read more
Organizations
If you are thinking about joining a guided fishing organization or group in Florida, there are
several that may interest you. Two of the most popular ones include International Game Fish
Association (IGFA) and Coastal Conservation Association Florida (CCA Florida).
The IGFA is a nonprofit organization that is committed to promoting responsible education about
fishing, as well as collecting a vast number of historical documents and materials that pertain to
sportfishing memorabilia. The CCA Florida is a sportfishing advocacy organization that serves to
represent Florida anglers whenever potential new rules and regulations are up for voting. For example,
the CCA Florida passed legislation to ban destructive grift grill nets in the waters of Florida.
Many of these organizations work toward a similar purpose: to serve and educate the fishermen and
anglers of Florida. Other fishing organizations simply aim to put together a day of fishing as a
nonprofit venture. A prime example of this is the nonprofit organization Fishing with America's
Finest, which provides a full day of bass fishing in the Everglades for military personnel. If you
would like to explore a great number of fishing trips and opportunities with like-minded people,
consider getting involved one of these organizations.
Read more