Visitors' Licenses

Who needs licenses and permits when visiting Florida?

Non-residents who are 16 years of age or older are required to have Florida licenses and permits to participate in hunting, freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing.  

• Out-of-state fishing and hunting licenses are not valid in Florida. 
• A fishing license is required to attempt to take fish.  If you cast a line or catch and release, you need a license. 
• A saltwater fishing license is required to attempt to take any native or nonnative marine organisms, such as crabs, lobsters, and marine plants.
• Visitors who are listed on the National Saltwater Angler Registry are still required to have a Florida recreational saltwater fishing license unless they are a member of one of the exempted groups listed.
• Non-residents using beach or haul seines for recreational purposes are required to have a commercial saltwater products license.

New to Florida but haven't switched your residency just yet?  Find out more about residency requirements.  

Licenses, permits and fees:

• Saltwater Fishing
• Freshwater Fishing
• Hunting

Need help choosing the right license and permits?  Visit our Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for help!

 

Who does not need Florida licenses and permits when visiting?

The following non-residents do not need recreational licenses and permits in Florida:

• A child under 16 years of age.

A saltwater fishing license and permits are not required if:

• You fish from a for-hire vessel (guide, charter, party boat) that has a valid charter license.
• You fish from a vessel whose operator has a valid recreational saltwater vessel license issued in the name of the operator of the vessel.
• You are fishing during a free saltwater fishing day.
• You fish from a pier with a valid saltwater pier license.
• 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).

* These exceptions do not apply to tarpon tags.

A freshwater fishing license is not required if:

• You are fishing in a fish pond of 20 acres or less which is located entirely within the private property of its owner.  A fish pond is a man-made pond constructed for the primary purpose of fishing, entirely within the property lines of the owner and with no surface water connection to public waters.
• You are fishing during a free freshwater fishing day.
• You are fishing in a freshwater fish pond of 20 acres or more, whose owner has purchased a fish pond license at a fee of $3 per surface acre.
• You are fishing in the St. Mary's River or Lake Seminole (but not including tributary creeks in Florida) and have a valid Georgia fishing license.

A hunting license and permits are not required if:

• You are hunting for wild hogs on private land.

Non-resident visitors with disabilities do not meet the criteria to receive a no-cost Persons with Disabilities Resident Hunt/Fish license.  That license is not a disability accommodation but an economic accommodation for the segment of Florida's disabled population who may not be able to afford to pay for the license.