Chapter 11 · Topic 11.7 · Civic
Hunting and fishing licenses in Florida for Canadian visitors
Florida's exceptional fishing — from freshwater bass to offshore sailfish — is accessible to Canadians with a simple non-resident license. Hunting requires a Florida license plus species-specific tags, with Canadian hunting certificates often recognized.
Direct answer · 60-second summary
The 60-second version
Freshwater fishing: non-resident license $17/year or $7/7-day; buy online at license.myfwc.com; free for seniors 65+ who are Florida residents (not available to Canadian seniors). Saltwater fishing: non-resident saltwater license $30/year or $17/3-day; separate from freshwater. Party/charter boat exception: fishing from a licensed-for-hire vessel (head boat, charter boat) — no personal license needed. Hunting: non-resident hunting license $151.50/year + game fees; 10-day license $46.50; Canadian province hunter safety certificates often recognized. Migratory birds: federal Duck Stamp ($25) required for any hunter 16+. Check current season dates at myfwc.com — regulations change annually.
Acronyms used in this guide
- FWC — Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (myfwc.com)
- USFWS — US Fish and Wildlife Service (federal agency; manages migratory birds)
- Duck Stamp — Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp ($25, required for waterfowl hunting)
Freshwater fishing license
Florida requires anyone fishing in fresh water (lakes, rivers, canals, ponds) to have a valid fishing license, unless exempt. For Canadian visitors, the applicable license is the non-resident freshwater fishing license.
Non-resident freshwater license fees
- Annual: $17.00 + $1.50 issuance fee = $18.50 (valid one year from date of purchase)
- 7-day: $17.00 + $1.50 = $18.50 (same price as annual — most buy annual)
- 3-day: $17.00 + $1.50 = $18.50
- 1-day: $17.00 + issuance fee
Note: in some years, FWC adjusts fees — always verify current prices at license.myfwc.com before purchasing.
Who is exempt
- Florida residents 65+ (this exemption does NOT apply to Canadian snowbirds — Canadian seniors must purchase a license)
- Any person fishing from a licensed-for-hire vessel (charter, head boat) — see Party Boat section
- Children under 16 (no license needed)
Florida Free Fishing Days
Florida designates approximately 2 free freshwater and 2 free saltwater fishing days per year (usually in June). On these days, anyone may fish without a license. Check myfwc.com for current year dates.
Saltwater fishing license
Fishing in Florida's saltwater (Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean, bays, estuaries, tidal rivers) requires a separate saltwater fishing license for most activities. The freshwater license does NOT cover saltwater fishing and vice versa — you need both if you fish in both environments.
Non-resident saltwater license fees
- Annual: $30.00 + fees
- 7-day: $17.00 + fees
- 3-day: $17.00 + fees
Snook stamp and tarpon tag
Anglers targeting snook must purchase a snook permit ($10/year) in addition to the saltwater license. Tarpon over 40 inches must be released — a tarpon tag is required if you want to harvest one (only one per person per year). These species are highly regulated due to conservation status.
Party boat exception
If you are fishing from a vessel licensed as a "for-hire" vessel (charter boat, party/head boat), the vessel's license covers all anglers aboard — you do not need a personal fishing license. This is a significant benefit for casual fishermen who take occasional party boat trips from Florida ports.
How to buy a Florida fishing license
The most convenient options for Canadian snowbirds:
- Online: license.myfwc.com — buy with any credit/debit card; printable immediately or available as a mobile license on your phone; no Florida address required for non-resident license
- Walmart: many Florida Walmart locations have a sporting goods license counter; bring government ID (passport); pay cash or card
- Tax collector offices: county tax collector offices issue licenses; in-person service
- Bait and tackle shops: many sell FWC licenses; convenient near fishing spots
Hunting license
Florida hunting is excellent for white-tailed deer (October–February in most zones), wild turkey (spring and fall seasons), wild hog (year-round, considered non-game in many areas), dove, and waterfowl. Canadian snowbird hunters can participate fully with the appropriate licenses.
Non-resident hunting license fees
- Annual: $151.50 (includes hunting license)
- 10-day: $46.50
- Game fees: additional tags/stamps required for certain game (deer, turkey, etc.); included in some packages or purchased separately
- Antlerless deer: additional permit may be required depending on management zone
Hunter safety certificate
Florida requires a hunter safety course certification for all first-time license buyers born on or after June 1, 1975. Most Canadian province hunter safety certificates are recognized by Florida — check FWC's list of recognized certificates at myfwc.com. If your Canadian certificate is on the approved list, present it when purchasing your Florida hunting license to satisfy the requirement.
Federal Duck Stamp — required for migratory birds
Hunting migratory birds (ducks, geese, doves in some states, woodcock, snipe) requires both a Florida state hunting license AND a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly called the "Duck Stamp." The Duck Stamp costs $25/year and is required for any hunter 16 years of age or older hunting migratory birds. It can be purchased at USPS post offices, wildlife refuges, or online at store.usgs.gov/duck-stamp.
Season dates and regulations
Florida hunting and fishing seasons, bag limits, size limits, and special regulations are updated annually by the FWC. Always check the current year's regulations at myfwc.com before your trip. Florida saltwater fishing regulations in particular change frequently for species like grouper, snapper, and snook based on stock assessments. The FWC also has a free MyFWC app with offline access to current regulations — useful when fishing in areas without cell service.
Sources
Every figure, rate, threshold, and deadline in this guide is drawn from a verifiable primary source listed at the bottom of the page. The article is updated whenever the underlying rules change, with a fresh review date stamped at the top.
Disclaimer — Educational purpose only
This guide is for educational purposes only. Figures, rules, and procedures are drawn from public sources as of the date shown and may change without notice.
For any concrete decision, consult a licensed professional — attorney, accountant, or insurance broker.