Florida Keys Fishing License: Requirements, Costs & Fish Seasons Guide
Planning to fish the Florida Keys? Before you wet a line, you'll need to understand Florida's fishing license requirements and regulations. The good news: if you're fishing on a charter boat, the captain's license covers you. But if you're fishing from shore, a kayak, or your own boat, you'll need your own license.
This guide covers everything you need to know about fishing licenses, special permits, species seasons, and regulations for fishing in Key West and the Florida Keys.
Do I Need a Fishing License in Florida?
In most cases, yes. Florida requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 years or older who is fishing, attempting to fish, or possessing saltwater species. "Fishing" includes catch and release — even if you don't keep anything.
🎣 Charter Boat Exception
If you're fishing on a licensed charter boat, party boat, or with a licensed guide, you don't need your own license. The captain's license covers all passengers. This is the easiest way to fish in the Keys without worrying about paperwork.
Who Is Exempt from Needing a License?
The following people can fish without a license in Florida:
- Children under 16 — but they must follow all size and bag limits
- Florida residents 65 or older — must carry proof of age and residency
- Passengers on licensed charter/guide boats
- Florida residents fishing from a licensed pier
- Certain disabled persons — with proper documentation
- Active military on leave — Florida residents with orders for 30 days or less
- Florida residents on certain assistance programs — food stamps, Medicaid, temporary cash assistance (fishing from shore only)
Florida Saltwater Fishing License Costs (2025)
Florida Residents
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Saltwater License | $17.00 |
| 5-Year Saltwater License | $79.00 |
| Saltwater Shoreline License | FREE |
| Gold Sportsman's License (combo + permits) | $100.00 |
Non-Residents (Visitors)
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| 3-Day Saltwater License | $17.00 |
| 7-Day Saltwater License | $30.00 |
| Annual Saltwater License | $47.00 |
Note: Small processing fees may apply for online and phone purchases.
Special Permits Required
Some species require additional permits beyond a basic saltwater license:
| Permit | Cost | Required For |
|---|---|---|
| Spiny Lobster Permit | $5.00 | Harvesting spiny lobster |
| Snook Permit | $10.00 | Harvesting snook |
| Tarpon Tag | $51.50 | Harvesting tarpon (kill tag) |
| State Reef Fish Survey | FREE | Fishing for reef fish from private boats |
| Shore-based Shark Permit | FREE | Shark fishing from shore (requires course) |
How to Get a Florida Fishing License
You can purchase a license several ways:
- Online: GoOutdoorsFlorida.com — available 24/7, start fishing immediately
- Mobile App: Fish|Hunt Florida app (iOS and Android)
- Phone: 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA (1-888-347-4356)
- In Person: County tax collector offices and licensed retailers
Your license is valid immediately after purchase. Keep a digital or physical copy with you while fishing.
Popular Florida Keys Fish Species & Seasons
Florida has complex regulations that vary by species, location, and time of year. Here are the key species you'll encounter in the Florida Keys:
Snook
| Regulation | Details |
|---|---|
| Season (Atlantic/Keys) | Open Mar 1 - May 31 & Sep 1 - Dec 14 |
| Closed Season | Jun 1 - Aug 31 & Dec 15 - Feb 28 |
| Size Limit | 28" - 32" slot limit |
| Bag Limit | 1 per person per day |
| Special Permit | Snook permit required ($10) |
Tarpon
| Regulation | Details |
|---|---|
| Season | Open year-round (catch and release) |
| Harvest | Only with $51.50 kill tag (for record attempts) |
| Size Limit | None (but must have tag to possess) |
| Bag Limit | 1 per person per year (with tag) |
Note: Tarpon fishing in the Keys is almost exclusively catch and release. Most anglers never harvest tarpon.
Grouper (Black, Red, Gag)
| Regulation | Details |
|---|---|
| Season (varies by species) | Check current FWC regulations — seasons change |
| Size Limits | Black: 24", Red: 20", Gag: 24" |
| Aggregate Bag Limit | 3 grouper per person per day (all species combined) |
Snapper (Mangrove, Mutton, Yellowtail)
| Species | Size Limit | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Mangrove (Gray) | 10" | 5 per person |
| Mutton | 18" | 5 per person (May-Jun: closed) |
| Yellowtail | 12" | 10 per person |
Hogfish
| Regulation | Details |
|---|---|
| Season (Florida Keys/East FL) | May 1 - Oct 31 |
| Closed Season | Nov 1 - Apr 30 |
| Size Limit | 16" fork length |
| Bag Limit | 1 per person per day |
Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin)
| Regulation | Details |
|---|---|
| Season | Open year-round |
| Size Limit | 20" fork length |
| Bag Limit | 10 per person per day |
Spiny Lobster
| Regulation | Details |
|---|---|
| Mini Season 2025 | July 30-31 (last Wed-Thu of July) |
| Regular Season | Aug 6, 2025 - Mar 31, 2026 |
| Size Limit | Carapace > 3" (measured in water) |
| Bag Limit (Monroe County) | 6 per person per day |
| Special Permit | Lobster permit required ($5) |
⚠️ Regulations Change Frequently
Fish seasons and limits can change throughout the year based on stock assessments and emergency closures. Always check MyFWC.com or download the Fish Rules App before your trip for the most current regulations.
Protected Species (No Harvest)
These species are completely protected and must be released immediately if caught:
- Goliath Grouper — protected since 1990
- Nassau Grouper — endangered species
- Sawfish — critically endangered
- Sea Turtles — all species protected
- Marine Mammals — dolphins, manatees, whales
- Certain Sharks — check FWC prohibited species list
Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary Rules
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary has additional regulations:
- Sanctuary Preservation Areas (SPAs): No-take zones marked by yellow buoys — no fishing, collecting, or anchoring on coral
- Ecological Reserves: Larger protected areas with various restrictions
- Wildlife Management Areas: Special rules for sensitive areas
Download the free Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary app to see exact boundaries on your phone.
Tips for Staying Legal
- Download the Fish Rules App — location-based regulations on your phone
- Carry a measuring device — required for many species
- Know before you go — check current seasons before each trip
- When in doubt, release — if you're unsure about size or season, let it go
- Keep your license accessible — FWC officers can check at any time
- Report violations — call 888-404-FWCC to report poaching
Free Fishing Days in Florida
Florida offers several license-free fishing days each year when no recreational license is required (though all other rules still apply):
- First weekend of April — Freshwater
- First Saturday and Sunday of June — Saltwater
- Second Saturday and Sunday of June — Freshwater
- First Saturday of September — Saltwater
- Saturday following Thanksgiving — Saltwater and Freshwater
Skip the Paperwork — Book a Charter
The easiest way to fish the Florida Keys? Book a licensed charter where everything is covered. Find expert local captains who know the best spots and seasons.
Browse Fishing Charters →