Who needs one
Florida fishing license rules
Florida residents and visitors must have a Florida freshwater or saltwater fishing license when fishing. A license is required to attempt to take fish, including catch and release. A saltwater license is required to take any native or nonnative marine organism (crabs, lobsters, marine plants). Anyone assisting in the take (e.g. baiting hooks) needs a license. A Florida license is required to land saltwater species in Florida regardless of where they were caught.
Anglers fishing from a pier that holds a valid saltwater pier license ($501.50/yr, bought by the pier owner) are exempt from the saltwater license. Shore-based shark fishing permit is still required for sharks from piers.
FWC: Do I need a license? Checked October 2026.
Prices
Florida fishing license prices
| License | Price | Length | Who |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Freshwater Fishing License | $17 | Annual | Florida resident |
| Resident Freshwater Fishing License (Five-Year) | $79 | Five-year | Florida resident |
| Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing License | $47 | Annual | Non-resident |
| Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing License (3-Day) | $17 | 3-day | Non-resident |
| Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing License (7-Day) | $30 | 7-day | Non-resident |
| Resident Saltwater Fishing License | $17 | Annual | Florida resident |
| Resident Saltwater Fishing License (Five-Year) | $79 | Five-year | Florida resident |
| Non-Resident Saltwater Fishing License | $47 | Annual | Non-resident |
| Non-Resident Saltwater Fishing License (3-Day) | $17 | 3-day | Non-resident |
| Non-Resident Saltwater Fishing License (7-Day) | $30 | 7-day | Non-resident |
| Resident Saltwater Shoreline-Only Fishing License | $0 | Annual | Florida resident |
| Annual Resident Freshwater | Saltwater Fishing Combination | $32.5 | Annual | Florida resident |
| Annual Resident Freshwater Fishing | Hunting Combination | $32.5 | Annual | Florida resident |
| Annual Resident Freshwater | Saltwater | Hunting Combination | $48 | Annual | Florida resident |
| Annual Resident Sportsman's License | $80.5 | Annual | Florida resident |
| Annual Resident Silver Sportsman's 64+ | $13.5 | Annual | Florida resident 64+ |
| Five-Year Resident Silver Sportsman's 64+ | $61.5 | Five-year | Florida resident 64+ |
| Annual Resident Gold Sportsman's License | $100 | Annual | Florida resident |
| Five-Year Resident Gold Sportsman's License | $494 | Five-year | Florida resident |
| Annual Resident Military Gold Sportsman's License | $20 | Annual | Florida resident, active duty or retired military |
| Resident Youth Freshwater Fishing License | $17 | Until 17th birthday | Florida resident youth 8-15 (optional), valid until 17th birthday |
| Resident Youth Saltwater Fishing License | $17 | Until 17th birthday | Florida resident youth 8-15 (optional), valid until 17th birthday |
| Resident Youth Gold Sportsman's License | $100 | Until 17th birthday | Florida resident youth 8-15 (requires hunter education) |
| Lifetime Gold Sportsman's License (Age 4 or younger) | $401.5 | Lifetime | Florida resident |
| Lifetime Gold Sportsman's License (Ages 5-12) | $701.5 | Lifetime | Florida resident |
| Lifetime Gold Sportsman's License (Ages 13 and older) | $1,001.5 | Lifetime | Florida resident |
| Lifetime Saltwater Fishing License (Age 4 or younger) | $126.5 | Lifetime | Florida resident |
| Lifetime Saltwater Fishing License (Ages 5-12) | $226.5 | Lifetime | Florida resident |
| Lifetime Saltwater Fishing License (Ages 13 and older) | $301.5 | Lifetime | Florida resident |
| Lifetime Freshwater Fishing License (Age 4 or younger) | $126.5 | Lifetime | Florida resident |
| Lifetime Freshwater Fishing License (Ages 5-12) | $226.5 | Lifetime | Florida resident |
| Lifetime Freshwater Fishing License (Ages 13 and older) | $301.5 | Lifetime | Florida resident |
| Recreational Vessel License | $2,001.5 | Annual | Vessel owner/operator |
| Saltwater Fishing Pier License | $501.5 | Annual | Pier owner/operator/custodian |
Prices listed include an issuance fee allowed by statute; a vendor may also charge an issuance fee of 50 cents. All sales are final.
Permits
Florida fishing permits and free designations
| Permit | Price | Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snook Permit | $10 | Annual | Required in addition to a saltwater license (including shoreline) to take snook. Five-year (residents only): $50.00. |
| Spiny Lobster Permit | $5 | Annual | Five-year (residents only): $25.00. |
| Tarpon Tag | $51.5 | Annual | Required to land (harvest or possess) a tarpon; one per person per year, only in pursuit of a state or world record. No exemptions. Tax collector offices only. |
| State Reef Fish Angler designation | $0 | Annual | Required for anglers 16+ fishing for certain reef fish from a private vessel. No exemptions. |
| Shore-based Shark Fishing Permit | $0 | Annual | Required for anglers 16+ (with a saltwater license) when fishing for sharks from shore, jetties, bridges and piers; requires the online educational course. No exemptions. |
| Blue Crab / Stone Crab trap registration | $0 | Annual | Required for recreational trap users 16+. No exemptions. |
| Goliath Grouper Harvest Permit | $150 | Annual | $10 non-refundable application; if awarded $150 residents / $500 non-residents; 200 permits per year. Saltwater license also required. |
Exemptions
Who is exempt in Florida
No license needed for any fishing
- Youth under 16 years of age
- Resident seniors age 65 or older with proof of age and residency (optional no-cost Resident 65+ Hunt/Fish Certificate)
- Freshwater fishing in your county of residence on your homestead (or homestead of spouse or minor child)
- Florida residents certified totally and permanently disabled holding a Florida Resident Disabled Person's Hunting and Fishing License
- Florida residents in the U.S. Armed Forces not stationed in Florida, home on leave 30 days or less, with orders
- Persons observing or filming who do not assist in the take
- Participants in a permitted military/disabled veteran outdoor event
No freshwater license needed
- Florida residents accepted as clients for developmental disabilities services by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities
- Fishing in a private man-made fish pond of 20 acres or less with no surface connection to public waters
- Fishing in a fish pond of 20 acres or more whose owner bought a fish pond license ($3 per surface acre)
- Holders of a Resident Freshwater Commercial Fishing License
- Fishing in the St. Mary's River or Lake Seminole (not tributary creeks in Florida) with a valid Georgia fishing license
- Free freshwater fishing days
- Florida residents fishing with live or natural bait using poles or lines without a line-retrieval mechanism, noncommercial, in their home county (not in Fish Management Areas)
No saltwater license needed
- Florida residents accepted as clients for developmental disabilities services by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities
- Fishing from a for-hire vessel (guide, charter, party boat) with a valid charter license
- Fishing from a vessel whose operator holds a valid recreational saltwater vessel license
- Free saltwater fishing days
- Fishing from a pier with a valid saltwater pier license
- Holders of a valid saltwater products license or FWC charter captain license (limits apply)
- Florida residents fishing for mullet in fresh water who hold a Florida resident freshwater license
- Florida residents fishing from land or a structure fixed to land who are eligible for food stamps, temporary cash assistance or Medicaid (proof required; not from a vessel, not when swimming or diving)
- Florida residents fishing with live or natural bait using poles or lines without a line-retrieval mechanism, noncommercial, in their home county (not in Fish Management Areas)
Free fishing
Florida license-free fishing days
First consecutive Saturday and Sunday in April; second consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June
First consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June; first Saturday in September; Saturday following Thanksgiving
- Freshwater: 2026-04-04 and 2026-04-05
- Saltwater: 2026-06-06 and 2026-06-07
- Freshwater: 2026-06-13 and 2026-06-14
- Saltwater: 2026-09-05
- Saltwater: 2026-11-28
2026 dates from the FWC rules for each free day.
Freshwater limits
Florida freshwater bag limits
| Species | Daily bag | Length rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida bass / largemouth bass | 5 a day | none | 5 black bass (Florida, largemouth, Suwannee, spotted, Choctaw and shoal bass, individually or in total), only one of which may be 16 inches |
| Suwannee bass | 5 a day | 12 in minimum | 5 black bass (Florida, largemouth, Suwannee, spotted, Choctaw and shoal bass, individually or in total), only one of which may be 16 inches |
| Shoal bass | 5 a day | 12 in minimum | 5 black bass (Florida, largemouth, Suwannee, spotted, Choctaw and shoal bass, individually or in total), only one of which may be 16 inches |
| Spotted bass | 5 a day | 12 in minimum | 5 black bass (Florida, largemouth, Suwannee, spotted, Choctaw and shoal bass, individually or in total), only one of which may be 16 inches |
| Choctaw bass | 5 a day | 12 in minimum | 5 black bass (Florida, largemouth, Suwannee, spotted, Choctaw and shoal bass, individually or in total), only one of which may be 16 inches |
| Crappie (speckled perch) | 25 a day | none | 25 crappie (speckled perch). No statewide length limit; some waters have special limits (see exceptions). |
| Bluegill | 50 a day | none | 50 panfish including bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), flier, longear sunfish, mud sunfish, shadow bass, spotted sunfish (stumpknocke |
| Redear sunfish (shellcracker) | 50 a day | none | 50 panfish including bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), flier, longear sunfish, mud sunfish, shadow bass, spotted sunfish (stumpknocke |
| Redbreast sunfish | 50 a day | none | 50 panfish including bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), flier, longear sunfish, mud sunfish, shadow bass, spotted sunfish (stumpknocke |
| Spotted sunfish (stumpknocker) | 50 a day | none | 50 panfish including bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), flier, longear sunfish, mud sunfish, shadow bass, spotted sunfish (stumpknocke |
| Warmouth | 50 a day | none | 50 panfish including bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), flier, longear sunfish, mud sunfish, shadow bass, spotted sunfish (stumpknocke |
| Flier | 50 a day | none | 50 panfish including bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), flier, longear sunfish, mud sunfish, shadow bass, spotted sunfish (stumpknocke |
| Longear sunfish | 50 a day | none | 50 panfish including bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), flier, longear sunfish, mud sunfish, shadow bass, spotted sunfish (stumpknocke |
| Mud sunfish | 50 a day | none | 50 panfish including bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), flier, longear sunfish, mud sunfish, shadow bass, spotted sunfish (stumpknocke |
| Shadow bass | 50 a day | none | 50 panfish including bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), flier, longear sunfish, mud sunfish, shadow bass, spotted sunfish (stumpknocke |
| Striped bass | 20 a day | none | 20 striped bass, white bass, and sunshine bass (individually or in total), of which only 6 may be 24 inches or longer in total length. Suwan |
| White bass | 20 a day | none | 20 striped bass, white bass, and sunshine bass (individually or in total), of which only 6 may be 24 inches or longer in total length. |
| Sunshine bass (hybrid striped bass) | 20 a day | none | 20 striped bass, white bass, and sunshine bass (individually or in total), of which only 6 may be 24 inches or longer in total length. |
| Butterfly peacock bass | 2 a day | none | 2 butterfly peacock bass, only one of which may be 17 inches or longer in total length. |
| Shad and blueback herring | 10 a day | none | 10 Alabama shad, American shad, hickory shad, and blueback herring (individually or in total), which may only be taken with hook and line ge |
| American eel | 25 a day | 9 in minimum | 25 American eels, must be nine inches or greater in total length. |
| Catfish (channel, blue, flathead, white, bullheads) | see rule | none | Catfish are not listed as freshwater game fish (FWC game fish list: black bass, crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, warmouth, redbreast sunfi |
| Chain pickerel | see rule | none | Nongame fish statewide (no statewide bag). Special limit of 15 pickerel (chain, grass and redfin) on Lake Seminole and St. Marys River. |
| Grass carp | catch and release | none | It is illegal to possess grass carp or alligator gar without a permit; these fish must be released immediately. |
| Alligator gar | catch and release | none | Harvest restricted to individuals with a valid scientific collector's permit; release immediately. |
| Sturgeon (Atlantic, Gulf, shortnose) | catch and release | none | Protected federally and by the state; no take or possession. Release immediately alive. |
No person shall have in his possession more than two days' bag limit of freshwater game fish (Rule 68A-23.005).
Black bass, striped/white bass and hybrids, peacock bass, and (where special length limits apply) crappie and panfish may not be filleted or have head/tail removed until the angler has finished fishing for the day.
FWC freshwater regulations, 2026-27. Checked October 2026.
Inshore by region
Redfish, snook and trout limits by FWC region
| Region | Red drum | Snook | Spotted seatrout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panhandle | 1 a day, 18-27 in. TL | 1 a day, 28-33 in. TL | 3 a day, 15-19 in. TL |
| Big Bend | 1 a day, 18-27 in. TL | 1 a day, 28-33 in. TL | 5 a day, 15-19 in. TL |
| Tampa Bay | 1 a day, 18-27 in. TL | 1 a day, 28-33 in. TL | 3 a day, 15-19 in. TL |
| Sarasota Bay | 1 a day, 18-27 in. TL | 1 a day, 28-33 in. TL | 3 a day, 15-19 in. TL |
| Charlotte Harbor | 1 a day, 18-27 in. TL | 1 a day, 28-33 in. TL | 3 a day, 15-19 in. TL |
| Southwest | 1 a day, 18-27 in. TL | 1 a day, 28-33 in. TL | 3 a day, 15-19 in. TL |
| Southeast | 1 a day, 18-27 in. TL | 1 a day, 28-32 in. TL | 3 a day, 15-19 in. TL |
| Indian River Lagoon | catch and release, none | 1 a day, 28-32 in. TL | 2 a day, 15-19 in. TL |
| Northeast | 1 a day, 18-27 in. TL | 1 a day, 28-32 in. TL | 3 a day, 15-19 in. TL |
Each coastal page on this site names its region. Snook and trout seasons vary by region; see the species pages.
Saltwater limits
Other Florida saltwater limits
| Species | Where | Bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flounder (Gulf, southern, summer, fringed) | Statewide | 5 a day | 14 in minimum | Closed annually Oct. 15 through Nov. 30 |
| Sheepshead | Statewide | 8 a day | 12 in minimum | Open year-round |
| Black drum | Statewide | 5 a day | 14-24 in. with one fish over 24 in. | Open year-round |
| Florida pompano | Statewide | 6 a day | 11 in minimum | Open year-round |
| African pompano | Statewide | 2 a day | 24 in minimum | Open year-round |
| Permit | Special Permit Zone (South Florida/Keys) | 1 a day | 22 in minimum | Closed April 1 – July 31 |
| Permit | Outside Special Permit Zone | 2 a day | 11-22 in. FL; may possess 1 over 22 in. included in the bag | Open year-round |
| Cobia | Statewide | 1 a day | 36 in minimum | Open year round |
| Tarpon | Statewide | catch and release | none | Catch-and-release year-round |
| King mackerel | Gulf state waters and Monroe County | 3 a day | 24 in minimum | Open year-round |
| King mackerel | Atlantic state waters (excludes Monroe County) | 2 a day | 24 in minimum | Open year-round |
| Spanish mackerel | Statewide | 15 a day | 12 in minimum | Open year-round |
| Dolphinfish (mahi-mahi) | Gulf state waters | 10 a day | none | Open year round |
| Dolphinfish (mahi-mahi) | Atlantic state waters | 5 a day | 20 in minimum | Open year round |
| Tripletail | Statewide | 2 a day | 18 in minimum | Open year-round |
| Bonefish | Statewide | catch and release | none | Catch-and-release year-round |
| Wahoo | Statewide | 2 a day | none | Open year-round |
| Bluefish | Atlantic state waters | 3 a day | 12 in minimum | Open year round |
| Bluefish | Gulf state and federal waters | 10 a day | 12 in minimum | Open year round |
| Weakfish | Weakfish Management Zone | 1 a day | 12 in minimum | Open year round |
| Weakfish | State waters outside Weakfish Management Zone | see rule | none | Open year round |
| Great barracuda | Collier through Martin counties | 2 a day | 15-36 in. FL with 1 fish over 36 in. per person or vessel per day | Open year-round |
| Great barracuda | Rest of state | 2 a day | none | Open year-round |
| Mullet | Statewide | 50 a day | none | Open year-round |
| Spot and Atlantic croaker | Atlantic state waters (excludes Monroe) | 50 a day | none | Open year round |
| Spot and Atlantic croaker | Gulf state waters | see rule | none | Open year round |
| Black sea bass | Gulf state waters | see rule | 10 in minimum | Open year round |
| Black sea bass | Atlantic state waters | 7 a day | 13 in minimum | Open year round |
| Hogfish | Gulf state waters | 5 a day | 14 in minimum | Open year-round |
| Hogfish | Atlantic state waters | 1 a day | 16 in minimum | Open May 1 – Oct. 31 |
| Gray triggerfish | Gulf state waters | 1 a day | 15 in minimum | Open March 1 – May 31 and Aug. 1 – Dec. 31 |
| Gray triggerfish | Atlantic state waters | 10 a day | 12 in minimum | Open year-round |
| Red porgy | Gulf state waters | 2 a day | none | Open year-round |
| Red porgy | Atlantic state waters | 1 a day | 14 in minimum | Open May-June |
| Greater amberjack | Gulf | 1 a day | 34 in minimum | Open September 1 – October 13, 2026 |
| Greater amberjack | Atlantic | 1 a day | 28 in minimum | January-March and May-December. Closed April. |
| Lesser amberjack and banded rudderfish | Statewide | 5 a day | 14-22 in. FL | Open year round |
| Gag grouper | Gulf | 2 a day | 24 in minimum | Open September 1-30, 2026 |
| Gag grouper | Atlantic (incl. Monroe County) | 1 a day | 24 in minimum | Open May 1 – August 1 |
| Red grouper | Gulf | 2 a day | 20 in minimum | State: open year-round |
| Red grouper | Atlantic (incl. Monroe County) | 3 a day | 20 in minimum | Open May 1 – Dec. 31 |
| Black grouper | Gulf | 4 a day | 24 in minimum | State: open year-round |
| Black grouper | Atlantic (incl. Monroe County) | 1 a day | 24 in minimum | Open May 1 – Dec. 31 |
| Scamp | Gulf | 4 a day | 16 in minimum | State: open year-round |
| Scamp | Atlantic (incl. Monroe County) | 3 a day | 20 in minimum | Open May 1 – Dec. 31 |
| Goliath grouper | Statewide | catch and release | none | Open year round |
| Nassau grouper | Statewide | catch and release | none | Open year round |
| Red snapper | Gulf | 2 a day | 16 in minimum | 2026: May 22 – July 31; Sep. 1 – Oct. 4; Oct. 9-22; then scheduled weekends/holidays through Jan. 4, 2027 |
| Red snapper | Atlantic | 1 a day | none | 2026 season October 9-22 (state and federal waters) |
| Gray (mangrove) snapper | Gulf and Atlantic state waters | 5 a day | 10 in minimum | Open year-round |
| Mutton snapper | Gulf and Atlantic | 5 a day | 18 in minimum | Open year-round |
| Yellowtail snapper | Gulf and Atlantic | 10 a day | 12 in minimum | Open year-round |
| Vermilion snapper | Gulf | 10 a day | 10 in minimum | Open year-round |
| Vermilion snapper | Atlantic | 5 a day | 12 in minimum | Open year-round |
| Lane snapper | Gulf state waters | 20 a day | 10 in minimum | Open year-round |
| Lane snapper | Atlantic | 10 a day | 8 in minimum | Open year-round |
| Sharks (harvestable) | Statewide | 1 a day | none | Open year round |
| Blue marlin | Statewide | 1 a day | 99 in minimum | Open year-round |
| Roundscale spearfish | Statewide | 1 a day | 66 in minimum | Open year-round |
| Sailfish | Statewide | 1 a day | 63 in minimum | Open year-round |
| White marlin | Statewide | 1 a day | 66 in minimum | Open year-round |
| Swordfish | Statewide | 1 a day | 47 in minimum | Open year-round |
| Blackfin tuna | Statewide | 2 a day | none | Open year-round |
| Unregulated saltwater species (default) | Statewide | 2 a day | none | Open year round |
Saltwater rules apply in Florida state waters unless noted: shore to 3 miles in the Atlantic and shore to 9 miles in the Gulf.
State Reef Fish Angler designation (free, annual) required for anglers 16+ fishing for certain reef fish (snappers, groupers, amberjack, triggerfish, hogfish, etc.) from a private vessel. No exemptions.
Default bag for unregulated saltwater species: two fish or 100 pounds per person per day, whichever is more.
FWC saltwater regulations, 2026. Federal waters can differ. Checked October 2026.
Special waters
Florida lakes and rivers with their own rules
Fish Management Areas and special limit waters; linked names have a lake page with the full rule list.
- Al Lopez Park Lake FMACast nets or minnow seines are prohibited.
- Alligator Lake FMAAlligator Lake
- Baymeadows FMAOpen to fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.
- Bear Creek Park FMASwimming, and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
- Bear Lake FMAGasoline motors may not be used on boats.
- Bethesda Pond FMABethesda Pond (15.7 acres)
- Bobby Hicks Park Pond FMACast nets and minnow seines are prohibited.
- Caloosa Park Lake FMABlack bass must be released immediately.
- Camp Blanding area FMACamp Blanding
- Chipola RiverNo person shall kill or possess shoal bass; any shoal bass caught must be released immediately
- Clear Lake FMASwimming, and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
- Clermont Chain of Lakes FMAClermont Chain of Lakes (Cook-20 acres, Winona-25 acres, Palatlakaha-101 acres, Crescent-74 acres, Louisa-3,634 acres, M
- Crystal Springs Park FMACrystal Springs Park (1.8 acres)
- Doral Glades Park FMAPanfish bag limit: 20
- Dover District Park Lake FMACast nets or minnow seines are prohibited.
- Eagle Lake FMANOTE: Eagle Lake will be closed to public access by the landowner starting Monday, August 28, 2023, for necessary manage
- East Lake Tohopekaliga FMANo bag limit for channel catfish.
- Edward Medard Park Reservoir FMAEdward Medard Park Reservoir
- Fox Lake FMANo airboats for fishing or frogging.
- Freedom Lake Park FMACast nets or minnow seines are prohibited.
- Gadsden Park Pond FMACast nets and minnow seines are prohibited.
- Hal-Scott Lake FMASwimming, and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
- Hanna Park ponds FMAOpen to fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.
- Hardee County Park FMAAll anglers shall enter at the Park main entrance, the designated entry point, unless otherwise instructed.
- Headwaters Lake (Fellsmere)Black bass must be released immediately
- Huguenot Pond FMAHuguenot Pond (2.7 acres)
- Hurricane Lake FMAGasoline motors may not be used on boats.
- Joe Budd Pond FMAClosed to fishing, except as authorized by permit for Commission-sanctioned events or as specified by order of the Execu
- Juniper Bay Lake FMAChannel catfish bag limit: 6
- Karick Lake FMAGasoline motors may not be used on boats.
- Kenansville LakeBlack bass must be released immediately
- Koon Lake FMAOpen to fishing.
- Lake Blue Cypress FMATrotlines may be used.
- Lake Crago FMAFlorida bass, largemouth bass, crappie and sunshine bass: statewide size and bag limits apply.
- Lake Dias FMANo bag limit for channel catfish.
- Lake Griffin FMALake Griffin including all Emeralda Marsh water bodies open to Lake Griffin, and including all points lakeward of a boun
- Lake Istokpoga FMANo bag limit for channel catfish.
- Lake Ivanhoe FMASwimming, and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
- Lake Jackson (Osceola) FMACast nets, minnow lift nets and minnow seines are prohibited.
- Lake Jackson (Walton County)5 black bass (all of which must be 12 inches or greater in total length, only one of which may be longer than 22 inches
- Lake Lawne FMASwimming, and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
- Lake Marian FMANo bag limit for channel catfish.
- Lake OkeechobeeCrappie (speckled perch) less than 10 inches in total length must be released immediately
- Lake Okeeheelee FMAGasoline motors may not be used on boats.
- Lake Panasoffkee FMATrotlines may be used.
- Lake Parker FMAWire traps may be used for nongame fish.
- Lake Piney Z FMAPanfish bag limit: 20
- Lake Santiago in Demetree Park FMASwimming, and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
- Lake Seminole10 black bass, each must be 12 inches or greater in total length
- Lake Seminole (Pinellas) FMATrotlines may be used from sunset until 9 a.m.
- Lake Stone FMAGasoline motors may not be used on boats.
- Lake TalquinCrappie less than 10 inches in total length must be released immediately
- Lake Tarpon FMATrotlines may be used from sunset until 9 a.m. Sunday through Thursday.
- Lake Thonotosassa FMATrotlines may be used from sunset until 9 a.m. Sunday through Thursday.
- Lake Underhill FMASwimming, and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
- Lake Victor FMAGasoline motors may not be used on boats.
- Lakes Hatchineha and Kissimmee FMANo bag limit for channel catfish.
- Lakes Lochloosa and Orange FMALakes Lochloosa (8,350 acres, includes Tadpole and Lochloosa creeks, Orange Lake proper, waters south and east of CR-346
- Lakes Tohopekaliga (West Lake Tohopekaliga) FMALake Tohopekaliga (West Lake Toho; 18,810 acres)
- Lang Lake (former FMA)No longer a Fish Management Area and currently closed.
- Largo Central Park Nature Preserve FMACheck entrance for open or closed status.
- Lower Ochlockonee RiverStriped bass bag limit 3, only one of which may be 24 inches or longer; no minimum length (20 fish combined bag)
- Manatee Lake FMATrotlines may be used from sunset until 9 a.m., Sunday through Thursday.
- Marl Pit 2 FMABluegill and redear sunfish less than 10 inches must be released immediately.
- Marl Pits 1 and 3 FMAPanfish bag limit: 20
- Merritt’s Mill Pond FMAThe taking of fish and wildlife with rifles is prohibited.
- Middle Lake FMAWatercraft shall be operated at idle speed only.
- Montgomery Lake FMAOpen to fishing.
- Mosaic Fish Management Area (formerly Cargill Fort Meade Mine)Mosaic (multiple lakes)
- Newnans Lake FMAOpen to fishing.
- Oceanway Pond FMAOceanway Pond (6.3 acres)
- Palm Lake FMAGasoline motors may not be used on boats.
- Pellicer Pond FMAChannel catfish bag limit: 6
- Perdido River10 black bass
- Plantation Heritage Park Lake FMAPanfish bag limit: 20
- Pope Duval East and West ponds FMAPope Duval East ponds (East-6.9 acres, and West-4.6 acres)
- Rainbow SpringsFishing is prohibited from the headwaters of Rainbow Springs to a point one mile downstream on Rainbow River within Mari
- Ronnie Vanzant Park FMAOpen to fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.
- Saddle Creek Park FMACheck out the
- Salt SpringsFishing is prohibited in and within 50 yards of the springs
- Secret Lake FMASwimming, and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
- Shadow Bay Park FMASwimming, and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
- Silver Glen SpringsFishing is prohibited in and within 50 yards of the springs
- South Lake FMANo airboats for fishing or frogging.
- St. Augustine Road ponds (North and South) FMASt. Augustine Road ponds (North-2.0 acres, and South-9.8 acres)
- St. Marys River10 black bass, each must be 12 inches or greater in total length
- Starke Lake FMACast nets and minnow seines are prohibited.
- Steven J. Wortham Park Lake FMACast nets or minnow seines are prohibited.
- Stick Marsh / Farm 13Black bass must be released immediately
- Suwannee Lake FMAOpen to fishing.
- Suwannee River (striped bass)Striped bass bag limit 3, each at least 18 inches total length (20 fish combined striped/white/sunshine bag)
- Tenoroc Fish Management AreaTenoroc Fish Management Area
- The northern-most Tropical Park Lake FMAPanfish bag limit: 20
- Turkey Lake FMASwimming, and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
- Wakulla RiverNo person shall kill or possess Suwannee bass; any caught must be released immediately
- Walsingham Park Lake FMACast nets or minnow seines are prohibited.
- Watertown Lake FMAOpen to fishing.
- Webb Lake FMAOpen to fishing during posted hours.
- Wildcat LakeBlack bass must be released immediately
Answers
Questions about Florida licenses and limits
How much is a Florida fishing license?
Resident annual freshwater or saltwater: $17 each. Non-resident annual: $47.
Who needs a fishing license in Florida?
Anyone fishing or helping to fish, 16 and older, unless exempt; that includes catch and release.
Do seniors need a fishing license in Florida?
Resident seniors age 65 or older with proof of age and residency (optional no-cost Resident 65+ Hunt/Fish Certificate)
Do I need a license to fish from a pier in Florida?
Not on a pier that holds a pier license; each pier page says whether it does.
What is the redfish limit in Florida?
One a day, 18 to 27 inches, in every region except the Indian River Lagoon, where red drum are catch and release.
What is the bass limit in Florida?
Five black bass a day, only one 16 inches or longer.
When are the free fishing days in Florida?
Freshwater: the first weekend in April and the second weekend in June. Saltwater: the first weekend in June, the first Saturday in September and the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
What is a State Reef Fish Angler designation?
State Reef Fish Angler designation (free, annual) required for anglers 16+ fishing for certain reef fish (snappers, groupers, amberjack, triggerfish, hogfish, etc.) from a private vessel. No exemptions.
Where do these rules come from?
FWC license pages and the freshwater and saltwater regulation pages, checked October 2026.