What is the fine for fishing without a license in Florida?

Fishing in Florida without a license is a level one violation under Section 379.354 of the Florida statutes and considered a noncriminal infraction. Level one violations involving fishing license requirements carry a civil penalty equal to the cost of the license plus $50.

What happens if I get caught fishing without a license in Florida?

fishing without a license is a non-criminal offense that is penalized by paying the licensing fine & an additional $50. The penalty fine increases to $100 if you are charged more than once within a 36 month period.

Can you fish without a license in Florida?

Florida residents and visitors are required to possess a Florida hunting, freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing license when engaged in fishing and hunting activities. A license is required to attempt to take fish. If you cast a line or catch and release, you need a fishing license.

Can you fish from shore in Florida without a license?

Resident saltwater anglers who fish from shore or a structure affixed to shore will need a shoreline fishing license unless they have a regular saltwater fishing license, persons with disabilities fishing license, other combo license or are exempt.

Who does not need a fishing license in Florida?

The exemptions that apply most frequently: Any angler (resident or non-resident) under the age of 16 does not need a fishing license, and Florida residents who are 65 or older do not need a fishing license. If you are exempt from needing a fishing license, you also do not need a snook permit or lobster permit.

BUSTED! How much did NOT HAVING a FISHING LICENSE COST ME?! Outrageous! (BUSTED by CDFW)

Can you fish on public beaches in Florida?

Fishing is great on Florida beaches. All public beaches allow fishing from the shore and it is quite common to see people with their poles and cast nets working the calm surf. You can catch most inshore fish from the beach such as snook, pompano, shark, snapper, and redfish.

What are the free fishing days in Florida?

Can I get a Florida fishing license online?

Licenses and permits are available: Online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. In person at a license agent or tax collector's office. By calling toll-free 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356) or 888-HUNT-FLORIDA (888-486-8356)

What age can you fish without a license in Florida?

Who needs licenses and permits when visiting Florida? Non-residents who are 16 years of age or older are required to have Florida licenses and permits to participate in hunting, freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing.

Can you get a Florida fishing license at Walmart?

Yes! It is possible to purchase a fishing license at a Walmart store in the United States. The Walmart stores that offer this service will usually be listed in the license vendor section of your state's wildlife department website.

What happens if you keep an illegal fish in Florida?

Out-of-season and bag- and size-limit fishing violations are a second-degree misdemeanor, carrying a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and $500 fine per violation. Major violations are first-degree misdemeanors, which carry a maximum penalty of a year in jail and $1,000 fine per violation, plus a civil penalty.

Does a 65 year old need a fishing license in Florida?

Florida residents age 65 or older only need a Florida Driver License or Identification Card to prove residency and age. They are not required to purchase the following recreational licenses and permits: Saltwater fishing, freshwater fishing and hunting licenses.

What is the fine for undersized fish in Florida?

Florida law groups fish and wildlife violations into four different categories by severity. Violations of the FWC rules involving undersized fish are level two violations. A first conviction for an undersized fish offense is a second degree misdemeanor, punishable by 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Do veterans get free fishing license in Florida?

HB 683 will give active military and honorably discharged veterans free hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing licenses or permits in Florida.

Can you keep a shark if you catch it in Florida?

Many species of sharks are prohibited from harvest, possession, or landing in Florida waters. Prohibited shark species must remain in the water with the gills submerged when fishing from shore or from a vessel.

Are circle hooks mandatory in Florida?

In Florida, it is required to use non-offset circle hooks when fishing with natural bait for reef fish in Gulf waters. Non-offset circle hooks are those in which the end of the hook is inline with the shank of the hook – rather than being angled sideways, away from the shank.

Is night fishing legal in Florida?

Florida has long been known for its bright, sunshiny days, but when the sun sets and both the air and water temperature take a slight dip, it can be a great time to hit the beach for some night fishing. If you're wondering if you can fish from the beach at night, the answer is yes!

Do non resident seniors need a fishing license in Florida?

Residents between 16 years of age and 65 and all non-residents over the age of 16 (who aren't exempt) must have a Florida fishing license. Even those only practicing catch and release still need a fishing license. This requirement applies even on freshwater fishing charters with a captain.