Freshwater Fishing in Florida

A valid fishing license is required when freshwater fishing, with the following exceptions:

Exemptions:

• Florida residents 65 years of age or older who possess either a Resident Senior Citizen Hunting and Fishing Certificate or proof of age and residency (for example, a FL driver's license).  A Florida Senior Citizen Hunting and Fishing certificate is accepted in Georgia, but a trout stamp may be required.
• Georgia residents 65 years of age or older who have in their possession a Georgia Honorary Combination Hunting and Fishing License and proof of age.
• Florida residents certified as totally and permanently disabled, who possess a Florida Resident Disabled Hunting and Fishing Certificate.
• Any person who has been accepted by the Florida Department of Health as a client for developmental services, with proof (e.g., retardation).
• Children under 16 years of age.
• Resident Freshwater Commercial Fishing License holders.
• Any resident who is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and is not stationed in Florida, home on leave for 30 days or less, upon submission of orders.
• Any resident fishing in the county of his or her residence with live or natural bait, using poles or hand lines that are not equipped with a reel or other line retrieval mechanism (cane pole), for noncommercial purposes.  A valid Fishing License is required to fish by any method in a Fish Management Area.
• Anyone fishing in a private fishing pond less than 20 acres.  A private pond is a manmade pond constructed for the primary purpose of fishing, entirely within the property lines of the owner and with no surface water connection to public waters.
• Anyone fishing in a private pond of 20 acres or more where the pond owner has purchased a fish pond license at a fee of $3 per surface acre.
• Anyone fishing in their county of residence on their homestead or the homestead of their spouse or minor child, or any minor child fishing on the homestead of their parent.
• Anyone fishing in the St. Marys River or Lake Seminole (but not including tributary creeks in Florida) who has a valid Georgia fishing license.

OTHER RELATED INFORMATION:
Freshwater Fishing Rules and Regulations may be obtained by accessing the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's website.  Information on seasons, limits, pictures of fish, and purchasing licenses online are some of the areas you can access.