If you are visiting Florida and you are 16 or older, you need a Florida fishing license before you cast a line, and your home state license does not count. The rules that catch visitors out are the ones that differ from their own state: bag limits set per person and per vessel, slot limits that change by coast, and closed seasons on the species people travel here to catch.
Keep reading to learn about the essential information every out-of-state angler needs to know before embarking on a fishing trip in Florida.
Fishing License Requirements for Non-Residents
Non-residents choose between a saltwater and a freshwater license, and the combination license Florida sells is for residents only. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission issues each non-resident license in three durations: 3 days, 7 days, or annual. There is no 30-day non-resident license.
You can buy one at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, at a county tax collector's office, or over the counter at tackle shops and many sporting goods and big-box retailers. Bring identification. Non-resident fees are the same on both sides of the water: $17 for 3 days, $30 for 7 days and $47 for the year, saltwater or freshwater.
Exemptions and Special Circumstances
The exemptions are narrower than most visitors expect. Under Florida Statute 379.353(2), a child under 16 needs no license whatever state they come from. The exemption for anglers 65 and older in section 379.353(2)(n) applies to Florida residents only, and FWC states plainly that non-residents 16 and older need a license. You do not need your own saltwater license if you fish from a for-hire charter or guide vessel holding a valid charter license, from a pier with a saltwater pier license, or from a vessel whose operator holds a recreational saltwater vessel license.
The military and disability exemptions are residency based too. Section 379.353(2)(c) covers a Florida resident in the Armed Forces who is not stationed in the state and is home on leave for 30 days or less, on production of orders. The no-cost disability license in section 379.353(1) is likewise a resident license, and FWC confirms that non-resident visitors with disabilities do not qualify for it. None of these exemptions waives a bag limit, a size limit or a closed season.
Saltwater Fishing Regulations
Saltwater rules in Florida are set species by species and region by region, and the same fish can carry a different slot limit on the Gulf coast than on the Atlantic. Two species draw most visitors and most citations: snook and redfish.
Catch Limits and Size Restrictions
Snook is one fish per person per day, and the slot depends on where you are: not less than 28 inches and not more than 33 inches on the Gulf coast, and 28 to 32 inches on the Atlantic. Snook also requires a snook permit on top of the saltwater license, and it has two closed seasons a year. Redfish is one fish per person per day within a slot of 18 to 27 inches, and it also carries a vessel limit of 2 or 4 fish depending on the management zone. Grouper and snapper each have their own seasons, sizes and limits, which differ between state and federal waters.
Out-of-state anglers must familiarize themselves with these regulations, as they can change depending on location and time of year. The FWC provides up-to-date information on its website and mobile app, which are valuable resources for tourists.
Seasonal Restrictions and Closed Seasons
Two closed seasons trip visitors up more than any others. The regular spiny lobster season runs from August 6 to March 31, so harvest is closed from April 1 through August 5, with a two-day sport season on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July. Spiny lobster needs a lobster permit as well as a saltwater license. Stone crab claws may be harvested from October 15 through May 1, with harvest closed on May 2.
These seasonal restrictions help maintain healthy populations of marine species and ensure the long-term sustainability of Florida's fisheries. Out-of-state anglers should always check for current seasonal closures before planning their fishing trips.
Gear Restrictions and Prohibited Methods
Florida has specific gear restrictions and prohibited fishing methods for saltwater angling. Most recreational fishing is limited to hook and line gear, with restrictions on the number of hooks allowed per line. Spearfishing is prohibited by Florida Statute 379.2425 inside John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, in all waters of Collier County, and in the Upper Keys from the Miami-Dade county line south through Long Key, and FWC can restrict further areas by rule.
Gill nets and other entangling nets are banned in Florida waters by Article X, Section 16 of the Florida Constitution, the 1994 net limitation amendment. Additionally, the practice of "snagging" or "snatch hooking" is illegal for most species. These regulations are in place to promote ethical fishing practices and minimize harm to marine ecosystems.
Freshwater Fishing Regulations
Florida's freshwater fishing regulations differ from saltwater rules in several key aspects. These regulations are tailored to protect the unique ecosystems of Florida's lakes, rivers, and streams, which host a diverse array of freshwater species.
Catch Limits and Size Restrictions
Catch limits and size restrictions for freshwater species in Florida vary widely depending on the species and location. For largemouth bass, a popular target for many anglers, the daily bag limit is five fish per person, with only one fish allowed to be 16 inches or longer in most waters. Crappies have a daily limit of 25 fish per angler, with no size restrictions in most areas.
Some water bodies have special regulations that may be more restrictive than the statewide rules. For example, certain lakes may have slot limits for bass or other species to protect specific size classes of fish. Out-of-state anglers should always check local regulations for the specific water body they plan to fish.
Seasonal Restrictions and Special Regulations
Freshwater fishing in Florida has fewer closed seasons than saltwater, but it carries one outright prohibition visitors miss. Alligator gar may not be harvested or possessed anywhere in Florida without a scientific collector's permit, and any that are caught must be released immediately. The same rule covers grass carp. Individual lakes and rivers can also carry closed areas protecting spawning fish.
Special regulations may also be in place for certain species or water bodies. For example, some lakes have specific rules for trophy bass management, which may include catch-and-release requirements for fish over a certain size.
Gear Restrictions and Prohibited Methods
Freshwater gear rules are short. Game fish may be taken only with a pole and line or a rod and reel, and FWC sets no limit on the number of rods an angler may use. Taking freshwater fish with firearms, explosives, electricity, a spear gun, poison or chemicals is prohibited, taking fish by underwater swimming or diving is prohibited, and free-floating unattached devices are not allowed.
The use of live bait is generally allowed, but certain bait species are restricted from being transported to prevent the spread of invasive species. Some water bodies may also have additional gear restrictions, such as artificial lure-only areas or fly fishing-only zones.
Protected Species and No-Take Zones
Some species may not be taken at all, and some waters may not be fished at all. Out-of-state anglers must be aware of these protected areas and species to avoid unintentional violations.
Endangered and Threatened Species
Several fish species in Florida are listed as endangered or threatened, including the smalltooth sawfish, Gulf sturgeon, and shortnose sturgeon. These species are protected by law, and it is illegal to harvest, possess, or harm them in any way. If an angler accidentally catches a protected species, it must be immediately released with minimal harm.
Violations of these protections can result in severe penalties, including hefty fines and potential criminal charges. Out-of-state anglers should familiarize themselves with the appearance of protected species and handle any accidental catches with extreme care.
Marine Protected Areas and Sanctuaries
Florida has numerous marine protected areas and sanctuaries where fishing may be restricted or prohibited entirely. These include national parks like Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park, as well as state parks and preserves. Some areas may allow limited fishing with special permits, while others are completely off-limits to anglers.
Out-of-state visitors should research the regulations for their intended fishing location before planning a trip. Many protected areas have specific rules regarding fishing methods, catch limits, and access points that may differ from general state regulations.
Penalties for Violations and Legal Consequences
Florida grades fishing offenses in four levels under Florida Statute 379.401. Fishing without the required license is a Level One violation, a noncriminal infraction carrying a $50 civil penalty plus the cost of the license, rising to $250 for the same violation again within 36 months. Breaking a bag, possession, size or season rule is a Level Two violation, a second degree misdemeanor for a first offense and a first degree misdemeanor with a $250 minimum mandatory fine if you have a prior Level Two or higher conviction within three years. Level Three violations are first degree misdemeanors, and a repeat within 10 years adds a $750 mandatory fine and suspension of your license for up to three years. Level Four violations, which include forging a license, are third degree felonies.
A court may also order a license or permit suspended or forfeited under Florida Statute 379.401(6). Section 379.401(7) counts any disposition other than acquittal or dismissal as a conviction for the repeat offense tiers, so even a withheld adjudication escalates the next citation.
These penalties can have additional complications for out-of-state anglers. Attending court hearings in Florida may be difficult and costly, potentially requiring multiple trips to the state. Violations may also impact future visits to Florida, affecting an angler's ability to obtain fishing licenses or enjoy the state's waters.
Resources for Out-of-State Anglers
FWC is the authority on all of this, and its regulation pages at myfwc.com are updated when a rule changes. The Fish|Hunt FL app sells licenses, shows the current limits for a species and lets you log a catch.
Other helpful resources include the Florida Saltwater Fishing Regulations publication, available online and at many bait and tackle shops. Local fishing guides and charter captains can also provide valuable insights into local regulations and fishing conditions.
Additionally, the official Visit Florida website (visitflorida.com) offers a dedicated fishing section with tips, guides, and information on popular fishing destinations throughout the state.
Common Mistakes Made by Out-of-State Anglers
Here are a few of the more common infractions out-of-state anglers can accidentally make when fishing in Florida.
- Failing to obtain the correct license or assuming their home state license is valid in Florida.
- Misidentifying fish species, leading to unintentional violations of size and bag limits.
- Fishing in closed seasons or protected areas due to lack of research.
- Using prohibited fishing methods or gear that may be legal in their home state but not in Florida.
- Underestimating the importance of catch-and-release practices for certain species or in specific areas.
By being aware of these common pitfalls, out-of-state anglers can take steps to avoid them and ensure a legal and enjoyable fishing experience in Florida.
Did You Receive A Ticket From FWC?
Out-of-state anglers who understand and follow Florida's fishing regulations keep their trip safe, legal, and enjoyable, but we know that mistakes happen.
If you’re facing charges related to fishing violations or any other legal matters during your Florida vacation, the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Weinstein Legal Team are here to help. Call Weinstein Legal Team now at 888.626.1108 to start a free case review with an attorney, or click here to schedule your case review online.
Fishing rules change by commission action, sometimes mid-season. Check myfwc.com for the water and the species you are fishing before you go.
