Commercial Freshwater Licenses & Permits

Commercial Freshwater Fishing

Any resident or non-resident person who takes freshwater fish or frogs by any lawful method prescribed by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for purpose of sale is required to possess a Commercial Fishing License.

• Allows harvest of non-game species only.
• Holders of this license may sell to anyone, but may not buy fish for the purpose of sale.
• All boats engaged in commercial fishing shall have at least one commercial licensee on board.
• License required even for the use of trotlines of 25 hooks or less when fish are taken for purpose of sale.
• Senior citizens are not exempt from purchase of commercial fishing licenses.
• A valid Resident Commercial Freshwater Fishing License also allows recreational fishing.
• No Commercial Freshwater Fishing License or Commercial Freshwater Fish Dealer's License is required to take or sell live bait, other than freshwater fish or frogs.

Resident Commercial Freshwater Fishing License (fish & frogs)..............$25.00

Nonresident Commercial Freshwater Fishing License ..........................$100.00

Additional license and/or permit may be required:

• If you use Haul Seine Gear, you will need to apply for a Haul Seine Gear Permit
• If you harvest American Eel, you will need to apply for an American Eel Permit

Resident Freshwater Fish Dealer's License

This license permits a resident to import, export, or sell (non-game) freshwater fish or frogs, including live bait. It is unlawful for licensed freshwater fish dealers or buyers to purchase freshwater fish or frogs from an unlicensed person.

Resident Freshwater Fish & Frog Dealer's License ...............................$40.00

Non-resident Freshwater Retail Dealer's License

This license permits a nonresident to buy (non-game) freshwater fish, including live bait, (from persons properly licensed to sell freshwater fish) and may sell these products directly to a consumer. This non-resident license allows retail sales only--additional licenses required for wholesale dealers.

Nonresident Freshwater Retail Fish or Frog Dealer's License ...............$100.00

Non-resident Freshwater Wholesale Dealer's License

This license permits a nonresident to buy (non-game) freshwater fish for resale from persons properly licensed to harvest freshwater fish and may sell freshwater fish within the state.

Nonresident Freshwater Wholesale Fish Dealer's License ...................$500.00

Nonresident Freshwater Wholesale Buyer's License

This license permits a nonresident, who does not sell freshwater fish or frogs in Florida, to buy (non-game) freshwater fish or frogs from resident freshwater fish dealers for resale outside the state.

Nonresident Freshwater Wholesale Fish Buyer's License ......................$50.00

A Conditional/Prohibited/Nonnative Species Permit is also required in addition to the Commercial Freshwater Fish Dealer's License to import certain live freshwater fish.

• Importers of restricted freshwater fish if doing retail or wholesale.
• Importers of tropical freshwater fish if doing retail or wholesale.
• Dealers in non-native aquatic freshwater species (retail or wholesale).

Please note that exotic freshwater fish cannot be given or sold to people without proper permits.