ByHow to Get a Key West Fishing License Fast
Fishing in the Florida Keys is a dream for serious anglers and cork bobbers alike. Once you book that trip of a lifetime, be sure you’re prepared by getting a Key West fishing license. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) has serious regulations about fishing in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and even the Everglades. Read on to learn how to , and find out if you even need one—there are lots of exemptions for licenses.
Who is Eligible to Get a Fishing License?
Almost anyone is eligible for a Florida fishing license, which includes the waters off Key West. Where it gets tricky is in the kind of fishing you're doing and making sure you have the right licenses for that. Since you can easily get a fishing license here, let's start by determining if you need one or if you're exempt. If you're fishing from a charter boat, the boat carries the license, so you don't need to have one. For everything else, short of fishing in a kiddie pool, you do need a license.
Here are the exemptions for a fishing license in Florida:
- Under 16 or over 65
- Armed forces members who are not stationed in Florida and are on leave for 30 days
- Fishing on private property, but only in a man-made pond
- Fishing with cane poles (the old cork bobber) in your county of residence
- Florida residents fishing in saltwater from land, or a pier, dock, or porch—as long as the water is no deeper than four feet
What are the Different Types of Fishing Licenses?
Florida has three types of fishing licenses: freshwater, saltwater, and a combination of the two. Only Florida residents can get the combo license. The state of Florida also issues Sportsman Licenses that cover hunting in the state.
Key West Fishing License Costs
The cost for a Florida Key West fishing license will vary depending on your residency status, age, duration of the license, type, and your military status.
Resident licenses
| Annual Saltwater or Freshwater | $17 |
| 5 Year Saltwater or Freshwater | $79 |
| Annual Saltwater or Freshwater Combo | $32.50 |
| 5-Year Snook Permit | $10 |
| 5-Year Lobster Permit | $5 |
| 5-Year Tarpon Tag | $51.50 |
Nonresident licenses
| Annual Saltwater or Freshwater | $47 |
| 3-Day Saltwater or Freshwater | $17 |
| 7-Day Saltwater or Freshwater | $30 |
| Snook Permit | $50 |
| Lobster Permit | $25 |
Comprehensive Hunting and Fishing licenses
| Gold Sportsman | $100 |
| Military Gold Sportsman | $20 |
How to Get a Key West Fishing License on Your Own
There are several ways to get your license for fishing in Key West, Hawks Key, Islamorada, or any of the Florida Keys.
- Online: GoOutdoorsFlorida.com
- By phone: 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356)
- Mobile device: The Fish/Hunt Florida app, on Apple or Android phones
- In-person: License agent or tax collector's office
Navigating the website can be time-consuming and difficult to navigate through. You may have to sift through a lot of information to find exactly what you are looking for.
If you've never gotten a fishing license, the agents are scattered all over Florida—marinas, bait and tackle shops, sporting goods stores, and even some grocery stores. Visiting a retail store may be convenient, but associates are less likely to have the knowledge to answer any questions you may have and could be busy assisting other patrons. In addition, many stores only offer basic fishing licenses.
Documents you'll need
The only document you need to get your fishing license is your driver's license or other government-issued ID. The only reason you really need this is to prove Florida residency.
The thing about getting a Key West fishing license on your own is that when you're planning your trip, there are so many other details that getting the license may completely skip your mind. DoNotPay is here to get you your fishing license so you can check that off your list. It's a hassle-free and simple way to ensure you have the right license for the fishing you are planning to do. DoNotPay ensures you're getting the right license, so you don't get in trouble with the FWC for being in the wrong place with the wrong license.
The Faster Way to Get a Key West Fishing License with DoNotPay
If you want to get your Florida Key West fishing license but don't know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered in 3 easy steps:
- Search "fishing license" on DoNotPay and select the state you would like a fishing license for.
- Indicate whether you are a resident or non-resident, and choose the type of license you want. For example, saltwater vs. freshwater license, three-day only pass, and more.
- Provide your contact information, a copy of your government-issued ID, and pay the fee required by the state.
Once everything's done on the fishing license app, you can download/print your copy of the fishing license and get going on your angling expedition.
DoNotPay Can Handle All Kinds of Things For You
Whether you're planning a vacation fishing trip to Key West or live in the Keys, DoNotPay works with many entities to make your life simpler and easier. If you are vacationing, we can help you:
- Get compensation for canceled flights,
- Find stuff you lost in the airport
- Help you get a refund or chargeback on your credit card
In fact, DoNotPay is the concierge you need in your life. Our cutting-edge technology lets us manage so many aspects of your life, from getting that fishing license to helping you appeal your property taxes. Sign up for our services today, and enjoy that tarpon fishing in the Keys.