All Tax Collector offices in Volusia County issue hunting and fishing licenses. Appointments are not required but are encouraged for faster service. Schedule an appointment with one of our offices today! Costs vary depending on the type of license.
Please visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for additional information.
In general, you need a freshwater license to take freshwater fish and a saltwater license to take saltwater fish, unless an exemptions applies to your situation. If you are fishing in pure fresh water where no saltwater species live, you need a freshwater license and likewise if you are fishing in the ocean you need a saltwater license.
However, when you get into estuarine type areas where salt and fresh water commingle and fish of both types can be found the issue becomes less clear. The interpretation of the rule is:
One year from the date issued. The expiration date is printed on all the licenses.
To view your current Florida recreational hunting and fishing licenses:
Yes, unless you are a member of a group exempt from Florida's recreational saltwater fishing license requirement.
A fishing or hunting license is required to be with you when you are engaged the licensed activity. To replace a lost or stolen license or permit, you may reprint it online for no cost at Go Outdoors Florida, or visit a license agent or tax collector's office to have it reprinted for a $2.50 fee. A lost or stolen hard card can be replaced for $5 for annual and five-year licenses, and $10 for a lifetime license card.
The least expensive place to buy is at your tax collector office. For added convenience, many bait-and-tackle shops and sports retailers sell licenses, for a small additional fee. Licenses are also available via the Internet or a toll free call to credit card users, for an additional convenience fee.
No. Anyone on-board that is not fishing does not need a fishing license - even if they are on a vessel which has people fishing. Non-anglers should not in any way help with fishing, such as attaching lures, netting fish or removing fish from the hooks. Also remember you may only keep the daily bag limit (of species with bag limits) for those persons with a current license (or who are legally exempt).
You should not be surprised if an officer asks a few questions to ensure the people who are fishing are in fact properly licensed. The officer may have more questions should there, for instance, be more fishing lines in the water than there are licensed (or legally exempt) anglers.
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:
The Resident 65+ Hunt/Fish certificate is available, at no cost, online at Go Outdoors Florida, or at local county tax collector office, but it is not a required item.
While a license is not required for resident seniors, they should keep proof of age and residency in their possession while participating in these activities.
* The exemption does not apply for the federal duck stamp or tarpon tags.
Youth under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license, although they must abide by all other fishing regulations such as gear type, bag and size limits. They may, however, be asked to provide proof of age.
Starting July 1, 2020, anglers age 16 and older (including those exempt from license requirements) fishing from a private boat, who plan to harvest, possess, or land specific reef fish must sign up to participate in the State Reef Fish Survey by adding the State Reef Fish Angler designation to their license or customer account.