Who Needs a Florida Fishing License?

This 22.5 inch grouper was caught in just 15 minutes at the Merry Pier in Pass-a-Grille.

Almost everyone who fishes in Florida is required to have a fishing license. Florida has separate saltwater and freshwater fishing licenses, however there is no fresh water fishing at St. Pete Beach.

Important Notice: As of August 1, 2009, persons fishing from land or a structure fixed to the land are now required to posess a saltwater fishing license.

If you are fishing from a boat, age 16 or older, you must have a fishing license.

Charter boats carry a license for their passengers, so those anglers are covered.

If you bring your own boat, you will need your own fishing license.

If you are a are a non-resident fishing from land, bridge, or pier, you will need to obtain a fishing license.

Exceptions to the rules:

Florida residents who are members of the United States Armed Forces and not stationed in this state, when home on leave for 30 days or less, upon submission of orders.

Children under the age of 16.

Any person fishing who has been accepted as a client for developmental disabilities services by the Children and Family Services, provided the department furnishes proof thereof.

Any resident 65 years of age or older who has in her or his possession proof of age and residency. A no-cost license under this paragraph may be obtained from any tax collector's office upon proof of age and residency and must be in the possession of the resident during saltwater fishing activities.

All the regulations can be seen at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website.

Purchasing a license

To purchase a license online:

visit the Florida Conservation website. There, you can purchase a license that will be valid when you are planning to fish.

Or if you prefer, you can call up their toll free number and buy a license 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They can be reached at 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA.

You can also buy a fishing license at many bait and tackle shops, as well as the Pinellas County Tax Collectors office.

Basic Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations
(by species, size limits, bag limits, seasons, etc.)