Florida Hunting and Fishing Licenses: What You Need and Who's Exempt

Updated November 2, 2026 · By the Florida Rednecks team

Florida hunting and fishing licenses are issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). You can buy them online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, through the Fish|Hunt Florida app, by phone, at county tax collector offices and at many retailers that sell sporting goods. Most anglers 16 and older need a freshwater or saltwater license (or both), and hunters need a hunting license plus any required permits. Florida residents 65 and older and children under 16 are exempt from most recreational license requirements.

We don't list prices here because fees change. FWC publishes current license fees on its website.

Fishing licenses

Freshwater vs. saltwater

Florida issues separate freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses. Which you need depends on the water and the fish you're targeting. In places where fresh and salt water mix, such as tidal rivers, the rule of thumb is to have the license that matches the species you're after; when in doubt, a combination license covers both.

Saltwater permits and designations

• Snook permit: Required to harvest snook (in addition to a saltwater license, unless exempt).
• Spiny lobster permit: Required to harvest spiny lobster.
• State Reef Fish Angler designation: Free, but required for anglers fishing from a private vessel who target or harvest certain reef fish such as snapper, grouper, amberjack and hogfish. Anglers who are otherwise exempt from license requirements, such as residents 65 and older, generally still need it.
• Tarpon tag: Required to harvest or possess a tarpon, which is only allowed in pursuit of a state or world record.

Who doesn't need a fishing license?

FWC lists many exemptions. Among the most common:

• Children under 16
• Florida residents 65 or older with proof of age and residency (a Florida driver's license or ID is usually enough; FWC also offers a free Resident Senior Hunting and Fishing Certificate)
• Anglers fishing from a licensed fishing pier, or aboard a licensed charter or for-hire boat (the pier or captain's license covers you)
• Florida residents fishing in their county of residence in fresh water with live or natural bait using poles or lines without a line-retrieval mechanism (a cane pole), except in designated fish management areas
• Florida residents who are certified as totally and permanently disabled, with the appropriate free certificate
• Florida residents who are members of the U.S. Armed Forces, not stationed in Florida, while home on leave for 30 days or less, with orders
• Anyone fishing on FWC's designated license-free fishing days (FWC sets several each year for fresh water and salt water)

Exemptions have conditions, and even exempt anglers must follow all size, bag and season rules.

Hunting licenses and permits

Florida hunters typically need a base hunting license plus specific permits for certain game, seasons or places. Common ones include:

• Hunting license: Resident or nonresident, annual or short-term. Residents can also buy multi-year licenses.
• Deer permit: For hunting deer.
• Wild turkey permit: For hunting turkey.
• Archery, crossbow and muzzleloading gun season permits: For hunting during those special seasons.
• Management area permit: For hunting on most wildlife management areas (WMAs). Some areas also require quota permits, assigned through drawings.
• Migratory bird permit and waterfowl permit: For doves, ducks and other migratory birds. Waterfowl hunters 16 and older also need a federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (the "duck stamp"). Migratory bird hunters must also be registered with the Harvest Information Program (HIP).
• Sportsman's licenses: Florida residents can buy bundled packages, such as the Gold Sportsman's License, that combine hunting and fishing licenses with common permits.

Alligator hunting has its own permit system with limited, drawing-based harvest permits during a set season. Check FWC's statewide alligator harvest program for details.

Hunter safety requirements

If you were born on or after June 1, 1975, you must complete an FWC-approved hunter safety course before you can buy a Florida hunting license that allows you to hunt with firearms or bows. Courses are available online with an in-person field component, or fully in person. If you haven't taken the course yet, the Hunter Safety Deferral option lets you hunt for a limited period while supervised by a licensed hunter 21 or older who meets the requirements. Hunter safety certificates from other states are generally accepted.

Boating education

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, needs a Boating Safety Education ID Card (or other approved proof) to operate a motorboat of 10 horsepower or more in Florida. Courses are available online and in person.

How to buy a license

1. Go to GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or use the Fish|Hunt Florida app.
2. Choose resident or nonresident. Residents generally need proof of Florida residency, such as a Florida driver's license.
3. Select the license and any permits you need.
4. Keep proof with you: a printed or digital license, or your license on the app, while fishing or hunting.

Beware of third-party websites that look official but charge extra fees. Buy directly through FWC's official channels or an authorized agent.

Where your license money goes

License and permit sales help fund fish and wildlife conservation, habitat management, research, boat ramps and law enforcement in Florida. Federal excise taxes on fishing tackle, firearms and ammunition also return to states for conservation based in part on license sales, so buying a license helps support the resources you enjoy.