Saltwater Fishing Licenses

• Saltwater fishermen are required to purchase a license in Florida. Licenses can be picked up from county tax offices and registered fishing tackle stores. Permits are also available online at myfwc.com or over the phone at 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356). Charges for Florida residents range from $17 for a year's boat and shore pass to $301.50 for an adult lifetime saltwater fishing permit. Nonresidents can purchase a three-day license for $17, a seven-day license for $30 or a year pass for $47, as of April 2010. Prices are reviewed each year.
  
  

Species Permits

• Some species of fish and shellfish require additional permits to catch. Fishermen that want to keep a tarpon must pay $51.50 for a tarpon tag. Snook licenses can be purchased for $2, or $10 for a five-year pass. The same prices are available for spiny lobster licenses. All prices are from 2010 and subject to change.
  
  

Bag and Size Limits

• Most fish species are subject to minimum size and bag limits. A bag limit is the amount of fish that you can take home in a given day. Some species, such as sturgeon and parrotfish, also have maximum size limits. Example minimum sizes include 63 inches for sailfish, 28 inches for snook and 33 inches for cobia. If fishing for species with no legal bag limit, the maximum overall weight should not exceed 100 pounds or two fish--unless the angler has a valid commercial fishing license.
  
  

Spearfishing

• Spearfishing is covered by many of the same license requirements as saltwater angling. However, there are several additional rules. For example, spearfishermen are not allowed to fish within 100 yards of swimming beaches, or within 100 feet of small jetties. The FWC also lists a range of species banned from spearfishing. This includes all shark types, all billfish--such as marlin and sailfish--manta rays, eagle rays, tarpon and snook.
  
  

Saltwater License Exemptions

• Some anglers are exempt from Florida saltwater fishing licenses. This includes children under the age of 16; senior citizens over 65; visiting members of the U.S. Armed Forces; anglers on board a licensed tour or game-fishing boat; those eligible for food stamps or Medicaid and only fishing from shore structures; and anyone registered as disabled who also possesses a Florida Resident Disabled Person Hunting and Fishing Certificate.
  
  

Other Game Licenses

• The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also regulates general hunting licenses. Most marine animals, such as manatees and turtles, are strictly prohibited for hunting. However, some land animals, such as rabbit, coyote, skunk and beaver, can be hunted year round. Other animals are fair game during designated hunting seasons. For example, antlerless deer and bobcat seasons come around during the winter. The FWC provides a list of all legal species and their hunting seasons via its website.