Skip to main content

Florida Fishing Licenses

You can fish anywhere – literally – in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida. We want all anglers to experience the luck of fishing in our very own “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” but we require that you are properly licensed before doing so!

Florida fishing licenses are required for all residents between 16 and 64 years of age. Persons 65 and over must carry a Senior Citizen Hunting and Fishing Certificate, which can be obtained free from the county tax collector. Totally and permanently disabled Florida residents are also eligible for a free license. Exempt is any resident who is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and is not stationed in Florida and is home on leave for 30 days or less, upon submission of orders.

If a fishing license is of no interest for you, but fishing the depths of the Gulf of Mexico and our other pristine waters is a must during your getaway, hop on one of our many charter boats. As one of the largest commercial fishing fleets in the United States, your perfect charter boat is waiting and ready to help you reel in a big one! Our experienced captains will make sure your fishing excursion is a safe, hassle-free success.

Nonresident

Freshwater or Saltwater

  • 3-Day (Valid three days from specified beginning date) – $17
  • 7-Day (Valid seven days from specified beginning date) – $30

Resident Annual

  • Annual Saltwater Fishing – $17
  • Saltwater/Freshwater 
Fishing Combo – $32.50
  • Saltwater/Freshwater Fishing/Hunting Combo – $48

NOTE: Residents fishing for a saltwater species (other than mullet in freshwater) from land or from a structure fixed to the land are required to have a no-cost saltwater shoreline fishing license.

Please consult with a local licensing agent for more details on license fees and regulations for Florida residents and visitors.

Freshwater and saltwater fishing information:

1-888-FISH-FLORIDA or MyFWC.com/fishing

Instant licenses (online):
MyFWC.com/fishing

Cucumberleaf Sunflower, yellow pedals with black center

FEATURED STORY

What’s Blooming in May?

What’s Blooming in May New series! Check back each month to learn about the native plants that are blooming in Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchella) Also known as Firewheel, is an annual wildflower that can be seen blooming May through August in the panhandle. Native Americans…

Read more

Trip Ideas

While beachgoers can lay out on the sand, shoppers can stroll down the HarborWalk Village and savor plates of Gulf-to-Table seafood. What will you do in Destin-Fort Walton Beach?

What’s Blooming in May?

What’s Blooming in May New series! Check back each month to learn about the native plants that are blooming in Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchella) Also known as Firewheel, is an annual wildflower that can be seen blooming May through August in the panhandle. Native Americans…

Read more

Three Ways to Participate in International Dark Sky Week in Destin-Fort Walton Beach

International Dark Sky Week is a worldwide celebration to bring awareness to the harmful effects of light pollution. What is light pollution? Light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. Why reduce the impact of light pollution? For one, do…

Read more

Where to See Sea Turtles in Destin-Fort Walton Beach

Destin-Fort Walton Beach is home to some amazing wildlife, including our four species of sea turtles! You can see Loggerhead, Green, Kemp’s Ridley, and Leatherback sea turtles in our crystal-clear Gulf waters. Our flippered friends are active and can be spotted in a variety of places.

Read more

April 10, 2025

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Concerts in the Village

Thursday evenings in the spring, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation presents a 10-concert live music series…

DISCOVER EVENTS

ENEWSLETTER SIGN-UP

Get a little sand in your inbox.

Complete the form here to receive emails highlighting special events and opportunities in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Your information will not be sold or distributed. Privacy policy.