Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World

Many of Florida’s lakes, rivers and coastal fishing hotspots are located within the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s statewide network of wildlife management areas and fish management areas. Anglers will find numerous saltwater and freshwater fishing opportunities throughout these areas, from inland lakes and rivers, to scenic bays and tidal creeks.

Enjoy bank fishing, fishing piers and crabbing platforms. Boat ramps provide convenient access. To improve angler success, lakes and ponds on many areas are stocked with catfish, bass and other species and include automatic feeders and attractors to concentrate fish.

Before you visit, familiarize yourself with the regulations and license requirements that help maintain this robust fishery. Accommodations for persons with disabilities vary at each Wildlife Management Area.

To check on the status of scheduled hunts, review the hunt regulations and Year-at-a-glance calendars in the Planning Your Visit section of each wildlife management area website.

Fish Right Away!

Fishing Licenses

If the above situations don’t pertain to you, then you can purchase a temporary fishing license number. This takes only a matter of minutes, allowing you to fish right away while your permanent license is sent in the mail. This can be done several ways:

Purchase online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Purchase by calling 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA
Purchase at area Walmart locations, bait and tackle shops and sporting goods stores.

For more information about the rules and regulations related to fresh and saltwater fishing licenses, please visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Freshwater fishing regulations information.

Ready to get your license?

Getting a license or permit to engage in outdoor activities in Florida is quick and easy. Licenses and permits are available:

Online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com
In person at a license agent or tax collector’s office
By calling toll-free 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356) or 888-HUNT-FLORIDA (888-486-8356)
Through the Fish|Hunt FL App on Apple and Android devices

Go Outdoors Florida is the approved and authorized provider of online fishing and hunting licenses for the state of Florida.

Do you know:

What qualifies for Florida residency?
What exemptions may apply?
About Florida’s hunter safety requirements?

The FWC’s Fish|Hunt FL app makes it easy to ensure you are never without your fishing and hunting licenses and permits. It can be used to renew, store, and purchase your licenses and permits. There are also a variety of other offerings on the app like Harvest Reporting, fishing and hunting regulations, sunrise/sunset times, feeding times, WMA brochures, etc. Simply search for FWC in your app store to download the Fish|Hunt FL app today!