New Florida Fishing License Hard Cards Feature Student Artwork

Florida is known for its incredible fisheries, and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has recently announced two new fishing license hard card designs featuring colorful fish-based artwork that anglers can carry with them at all times.

New Designs from Student Artists

The FWC selected two new designs from hundreds of student submissions. Grace Wang’s image of a Florida bass and Emma Nemes’ depiction of a snook were chosen as the new freshwater and saltwater designs, respectively. “We are excited to feature the incredible artwork of Florida’s youth on the new fishing license designs,” said Roger Young, executive director of the FWC.

The new initiative celebrates the creativity of the next generation of anglers and gives everyone the opportunity to support conservation and Florida’s world-renowned fisheries by purchasing a license.

License Requirements

Florida residents between the ages of 16 and 65, as well as visitors over the age of 16 (with some exemptions), must have a Florida hunting, freshwater fishing, or saltwater fishing license while they are actually fishing or assisting someone else fish by baiting hooks, setting up gear, or helping to reel in a catch.

Exemptions

Exemptions include fishing on free freshwater or saltwater fishing days, participation in a permitted and licensed outdoor recreational event by disabled veterans or active or reserve duty military service members and their immediate family members and assistants, and certain other exemptions.

License Fees

For residents, freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses run from $17 (1-year) to $79 (5-years). Annual combination freshwater and saltwater licenses are available for residents only and cost $32.50. Lifetime licenses for Florida residents for either freshwater or saltwater fishing are $126.50 for residents aged 0-4, $226.50 for residents aged 5-12, and $301.50 for residents aged 13 and up.

Nonresidents can get either 3-day freshwater or saltwater fishing licenses for $17, 7-day licenses for $30, or annual licenses for $47. Combo licenses are not available for non-residents. Additional licenses may be necessary for certain species that require extra tags or permits such as snook, tarpon, red snapper, and spiny lobsters, and there is a variety of sportsman licenses available.

Estuarine Areas Fishing

If you are fishing in estuarine-type areas where salt and freshwater are mixing and fish of both types are present, your license must be appropriate for the specific fish you’re taking or any species-specific gear you’re using (unless you qualify for an exemption).

Conclusion

Fishing in Florida requires a license, which is available for a fee. Florida residents and visitors can choose from a variety of options, including lifetime licenses, annual licenses, or shorter-term licenses. Additionally, fishing in estuarine areas requires specific licenses based on the fish being caught or gear being used.

Originally Post From https://www.tcpalm.com/story/sports/outdoors/fishing/2024/07/11/florida-fishing-license-new-designs-gooutdoorsflorida/74362919007/

Fishing License in Florida: Know Who Needs It and How Much It Costs