There’s nothing like fishing in Florida in the spring—and that’s not hyperbole. Florida is actually the “Fishing Capital of the World,” with more than 7,700 lakes, 10,550 miles of rivers and 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline, according to the Florida Fishing Action Plan published by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation.
The Sunshine State also leads the nation in total number of anglers as well as total days fished, with 3.1 million people participating in the sport of fishing!
If you are in that good company and can’t wait to enjoy some freshwater or saltwater fishing, make sure you’re properly licensed and familiar with some important information before you throw your first line.
Florida offers a myriad of licenses for fishing, so before you pull out your credit card and hit the internet, be sure you know exactly what you need. You can have your license (and then your fishing gear, in that order) in your hands in just a few careful minutes by taking a glance at our tips below.
Which Fishing License Do You Need?
For saltwater or freshwater recreational fishing, read about your options, so you can choose the license that is right for your needs (including youth licenses). You’ll also find information on certain types of fish and shellfish you wish to catch, including snook, blue crab, and spiny lobster.
In addition, you’ll need to check out information about residency requirements.
You may also want to visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Licenses and Permits page, packed with information about a wide range of licenses and other topics on hunting, fishing, and boating.
When you have settled on your preferences, proceed to order your license. Here you may also download the Fish/Hunt Florida mobile app, which will allow you to conveniently renew, purchase, and store your licenses on your smartphone or tablet.
You may also obtain fishing licenses and permits in person at a license agent or tax collector’s office or by calling toll-free 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356).
Florida Fishing Regulations
The Florida Fishing Regulations page tells you just about everything you need to know about statewide recreational fishing in Florida—while at the same time cautioning anglers to do a little research in their local areas with this advice: “Always research local fishing rules and regulations for the area you will be fishing. Rules change frequently, so do your homework.”
What you will find is a page packed with information on legal and illegal fishing gear, prohibited species, spear fishing, regulations on Florida’s spiny lobster season and much more.
You should also take advantage of these free, downloadable Florida fishing guides:
- Saltwater Fishing Regulations
- Gulf of Mexico Federal Regulations
- South Atlantic Federal Regulations
- Freshwater Fishing Regulations
- Full Florida Law Library for Fishing
There’s nothing fishy about getting outside on a perfect Florida day and enjoying some angling time with your friends and family—many others are being lured in, as well!
Insure Your Fishing Boat With Florida Farm Bureau Insurance
Florida Farm Bureau Insurance offers high quality, affordable insurance for a variety of watercraft. So, whether you’re out on a ski boat, a pontoon, or a fishing boat, you’re covered. Use our Agent Finder to locate an agent near you!