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What do I need to participate?

Are you going Hunting or Fishing? You will need a License.

Getting a license or permit to engage in outdoor activities in Florida is quick and easy.  Licenses and permits are available:

Learn about what is Required

Freshwater Fishing Licenses

Fishing for freshwater species requires a freshwater recreational fishing license. This license can be purchased the same way as the saltwater license and has similar costs.

What if I’m fishing in brackish water? Whether you need a freshwater or a saltwater fishing license depends on what species you are targeting, not how salty the water is. If you are targeting snook upriver in fresh water, you’ll need a saltwater fishing license. If you’re targeting largemouth bass in a saltmarsh, you’ll need a freshwater fishing license. Or you can purchase a combo license if you are a Florida resident and plan to fish for both saltwater and freshwater species.

Visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com to buy a fishing license and permits.

License-free Fishing Days

License-free fishing days provide an opportunity for anyone to try out fishing or share their passion. On these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for all anglers, resident or not.
*Seasons, bag and size limits still apply.

Saltwater Fishing Licenses

A saltwater recreational fishing license is required when attempting to catch saltwater species such as fish, crabs, clams and other saltwater organisms regardless of whether in state or federal waters. Avid Florida resident anglers are recommended to purchase a lifetime license for convenience and to save on annual costs.

Special permits: Florida has a few special licenses or permits you need to have when targeting certain species, including snook, lobster, tarpon, reef fish or when shore-based shark fishing.

What if I’m fishing in brackish water? Whether you need a freshwater or a saltwater fishing license depends on what species you are targeting, not how salty the water is. If you are targeting snook upriver in fresh water, you’ll need a saltwater fishing license. If you’re targeting largemouth bass in a saltmarsh, you’ll need a freshwater fishing license. Or you can purchase a combo license if you are a Florida resident and plan to fish for both saltwater and freshwater species.

Visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com to buy a fishing license and permits.

Shore-based Shark Fishing Course

You must take the Shore-based Shark Fishing educational course if you are planning to target sharks from shore. Take this course at MyFWC.com/SharkCourse.

License-free Fishing Days

License-free fishing days provide an opportunity for anyone to try out fishing or share their passion. On these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for all anglers, resident or not.
*Seasons, bag and size limits still apply.

Hunter Safety

Anyone born after May 31, 1975, who is 16 years old or older must pass a state certified Hunter Safety Course before they can purchase a Florida hunting license that allows them to be able to hunt unsupervised. Hunter safety courses are designed to help students become safe, responsible and knowledgeable hunters and learn about conservation.

Hunting Licenses and Permits

Those between the ages of 16 and 64 are required to have a hunting license and additional permits when hunting specific species and during certain seasons in Florida. Some military personnel, those with a Florida Resident Persons with Disabilities Hunting and Fishing License, and those hunting on their homestead are exempt from these license and permit requirements. Learn more about hunting licenses and permits.

Visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com to buy a hunting license and permits.

Boating Safety ID Card Requirement

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 who will be operating a boat in Florida waters with an engine of ten (10) horsepower or more MUST complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Florida Boating Safety ID Card. This card is not a boating license, it is a certification that the person named on the card has successfully completed the required boating safety course. The card does not expire. You can find information on how to obtain the card below.

How to get a Florida Boating Safety ID Card

After you have successfully completed an approved Florida boating safety course, please follow these steps:

  • Check with your course provider or instructor to see if they will automatically send a request to FWC to issue a card. Many online course providers, and some classroom providers, automatically submit a ID card request to FWC for all of their students who successfully complete an approved Florida course. (Because the course providers are not affiliated with FWC, they must send student information to FWC in order for a card to be issued.) If your course provider automatically sends a request to FWC for your card, you should receive that card within 2 to 3 weeks.
  • If the course provider or instructor is not going to submit the information for FWC to issue a card, you can do so using the course completion certificate you receive from the provider after you have passed the course. For online courses, make sure you can print a copy of this certificate from their website or that you can get an electronic copy. If you take a classroom course, make sure your instructor provides proof of completion. This proof can be a card or certificate, but in order for FWC to issue a boating safety ID card, the proof of completion must have the following information:
    • Name of the Course
    • Name of the student (with middle initial)
    • Address of the student
    • Date the course was completed