Fishing In Florida

Restrictions For Shark Fishing
For many anglers, a popular version of big game fishing is to catch a shark from a beach. No boat is required for shore-based shark fishing and it offers the angler the chance to battle with a beast weighing more than 100 — and occasionally larger than 300 — pounds.
But sometimes, these sharks do not survive the fight, even when they are released. And the state of Florida is hoping to protect them.

Beginning July 1, 2020 shore-based shark anglers will have a new set of state fishing regulations to follow.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's process took more than a year of review, refinement and public workshops.
The changes will be:
  • Anglers are required to possess a no-cost, annual shore-based shark fishing permit applicable to all shore-based shark anglers age 16 and older, including those 65 and older who are normally exempt from needing a fishing license. ​However, those under 16 will take the educational requirement associated with the permit unless they are fishing with an adult who already holds the permit.
  • To obtain the permit, anglers must pass an online shark fishing education course.
  • Chumming is prohibited when fishing from a beach for any species of fish or shark.
  • Immediate release of shark species prohibited from harvest, when fishing from the shore. Anglers are required to cut the leader, line or hook to prevent delaying release of prohibited species.
  • Hook and line fishing only. Treble hooks or any other multiple hook (any hook with two or more points and a common shaft) are prohibited when used in conjunction with live or dead natural bait.
  • Prohibited shark species are required to remain in the water with gills submerged when fishing from shore or vessel.
  • Prohibited shark species must be released without delay when fishing from shore. If hook removal will delay release, cut the hook or the leader as close to the hook as possible.
  • Non-offset, non-stainless-steel circle hooks are required to be used to target or harvest sharks when using live or dead natural bait when fishing from shore or vessel.
  • Anglers must possess and use a device capable of quickly cutting the leader or hook, such as bolt cutters, when shark fishing from shore or vessel.
  • The link to the online course can be accessed at https://learningmyfwc.remote-learner.net/   It will require creating an account to log in. The permit is also required for anyone 16 or older who plans to fish from shore for any species of fish and who will be:
    • Fishing with a metal leader more than 4 feet long
    • Using a fighting belt/harness
    • Deploying bait by any means other than casting (kayaking for example) while using a hook that is 1.5 inches or larger at the widest distance between the hook point and hook shank Anglers younger than 16 are not required to obtain the permit, but are required to take the online educational course unless they are fishing with someone else who holds a Shore-based Shark Fishing permit.
Protecting shark species
The new regulations were designed with the intent of protecting sharks, particularly those which are on Florida's list of sharks prohibited from harvest in state waters.
For complete Florida saltwater fishing regulations go to https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/.
There are two major types of Florida fishing licenses available:
  • freshwater fishing license
  • saltwater fishing license
To fish in Florida, you must make sure that you have the correct license for the fish you are catching. Licenses grant fishing by species, not by location. That means if you are fishing in fresh or brackish waters with a freshwater license and you accidentally catch a saltwater fish, you are legally required to release it alive.
There are also different kinds of fishing licenses available based on residency and how long you would like it to last. Licenses can range in cost, from completely free to more than $1,000, depending on the selection. The licenses available in Florida include but are not limited to:
  • Resident fishing licenses
    • Annual saltwater OR freshwater fishing license
    • Five-year saltwater OR freshwater license
    • Annual saltwater-freshwater license
    • Annual saltwater-freshwater-hunting license
    • Annual freshwater-hunting license
    • Sportsman's license
    • Youth license
    • Lifetime saltwater fishing license
    • Lifetime freshwater fishing license
  • Non resident fishing licenses
    • Three-day saltwater OR freshwater fishing license
    • Seven-day saltwater OR freshwater license
    • Annual saltwater OR freshwater license

Training Courses for Fishing in Florida 

https://learningmyfwc.remote-learner.net/
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Get a Florida Fishing license

For accurate up-to-date information visit: https://myfwc.com/
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Although most fishers should carry a fishing license in Florida, there are some exceptions in which fishers are not required to carry a license. For example, the state sometimes offers free fishing days, when anyone can catch fish without a license. This is to encourage interest in the activity and allow people to try it out without purchasing a license. Some scenarios in which a license is not required include the following:
  • Individual is under 16 years of age.
  • Individual is a Florida resident 65 years of age and older.
  • Individual is a Florida resident in the armed forces visiting home for less than 30 days.
  • Individual is not assisting or participating in fishing.
  • Free saltwater or freshwater fishing days.
  • Individual is Florida resident, using natural bait and approved equipment, in his or her home county.
​Buying a fishing license in Florida is a simple process. You must obtain one before you go fishing, as you may be fined if you fail to produce a license while out on the water. You can get a license in one of the following three ways:
  • Online
  • Over the phone
  • In person
The process for buying a fishing license online, over the phone or in person is similar. In general, you should:
  • Go to the license provider, whether by visiting the Florida Wildlife and Conservation website, calling the FWC or visiting a tax collector's office or license agency in person.
  • Present your information, including your legal name, date of birth, address, drivers license or ID number and Social Security Number.
  • Select the specific type of FL fishing license you want to purchase. Select any permits desired, as well.
  • Pay all necessary fees for the license.
  • Receive an email to print out your new license at home or receive a print out immediately.