Fishing in Florida: First-Trip Checklist
The basics for your first trip in Florida, with links to the official sources.
1. License
- Under 16? No license needed. FWC lists "Youth under 16 years of age" as exempt.
- 16 or older: You need a freshwater or saltwater fishing license.
- Which one? It depends on the fish you're after, not how salty the water is.
Annual license (freshwater and saltwater cost the same):
- Resident: $17
- Nonresident: $47 (3-day $17, 7-day $30)
Florida residents fishing from shore in saltwater: the Resident Annual Saltwater Shoreline License is no-cost. It's not valid from a boat.
Details: FWC: Freshwater Fishing Licenses · FWC: Saltwater Fishing Licenses · FWC: Do I Need a License? · Saltwater rules: FWC: Saltwater Recreational Regulations
Buy or read more: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
2. Fishing rules
All current rules: myfwc.com/fishing/freshwater/regulations/
3. Free fishing days
Florida has set license-free days every year. Seasons, bag and size limits still apply.
- Freshwater: first Saturday and Sunday in April, and second Saturday and Sunday in June. 2026 dates: April 4–5 and June 13–14.
- Saltwater: first Saturday and Sunday in June, first Saturday in September, and the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Next 2026 date: Sat Nov 28, 2026 (Saturday after Thanksgiving).
2027 dates not yet posted.
Official info: FWC: License-Free Fishing Days · Florida rule 68B-2.009
4. Eating your catch
The Florida Department of Health posts fish advisories for tested waters. Young children and unborn babies are more sensitive to mercury, so there is extra guidance for children, pregnant women and women of childbearing age. Check your lake, river or bay before you keep fish.
Catch & release is a great choice with kids.
Official advisories: Florida Department of Health: Fish Advisories
5. Boating & life jackets
- Kids under 6 must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket on a boat under 26 feet while it's underway. "Underway" means anytime the boat isn't anchored, moored, tied to shore or aground.
- Every boat needs a USCG-approved wearable life jacket, of the right size, for each person on board.
Life jacket rules: FWC: Boating Regulations · Florida Statutes 327.50
6. Where to fish
Spots coming soon. We only list spots we can confirm on an official page.