Hunting and Fishing

The Tax Collector serves as an agent of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. In this capacity, the Tax Collector is responsible for the sale of a variety of hunting and fishing permits. It is the Tax Collector's duty to collect all monies from these sales and maintain the records associated with these transactions. You may now purchase your Florida Hunting and Fishing licenses online.  Hunting and fishing licenses may be obtained at the Tax Collector's Office or at various sport stores, bait and tackle shops and retail stores as designated by the Tax Collector. A valid license is required by all citizens who intend to hunt or fish in Florida. The only exceptions to the law are:

1.) Residents 65 years of age and over are entitled to a complimentary Senior Citizen Hunting and Fishing Certificate.  Senior Citizens are not required to have a license/certificate. However, they must possess proof of age and residency.

2.) Children under the age of 16 are not required to have a license. However, they must possess proof of age identification.

3.) Permanently and totally disabled residents can obtain a special exemption card. An authorized disability statement must be presented upon application. This license is free and applications are available at the Tax Collector's office.

4.) Residents who have been accepted by the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services as a client for retardation and developmental services are exempt from purchasing a license. Applications for this license are available at the Tax Collector's office.

5.) A Florida resident who is a member of the U.S. armed forces and is not stationed in Florida is exempt from the license requirements while home on leave for 30 days or less. Proof of orders must be on the person while hunting or fishing.

Hunting and Freshwater Fishing

Hunting and freshwater fishing in the state of Florida is regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This agency sets and enforces policies and initiates environmental conservation programs to protect Florida wildlife. In addition, this state office determines license fees which are set by the Florida Legislature. Hunting licenses are annual permits valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. Freshwater fishing licenses are valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. A Five-Year Freshwater Fishing License and a Lifetime Freshwater Fishing License are also available to Florida residents. Non-residents can apply for a three-day, seven-day or twelve month license. The "Cane Pole Law" allows a Florida resident to fish in the county of his/her residency without a license. The angler can use live or natural bait and poles or hand lines that are not equipped with a reel, for non-commercial purposes only. No fishing license is required to fish in a private fishing pond.

Saltwater Fishing

The Department of Environmental Protection is the administrative office that regulates saltwater fishing. The Florida Marine Patrol is the law enforcement agency that is charged with protecting the valuable marine resources of the State of Florida. A saltwater fishing license is required by all anglers who fish in saltwater. This includes each person fishing from a pleasure craft, on a sandbar or any other land mass accessible by boat or by swimming through water deeper than four feet. Underwater divers who take or attempt to take marine fish must also obtain a license. Anyone who operates a non-commercial fishing vessel for hire must purchase a saltwater license. This recreational license will exempt passengers from having to obtain individual licenses.

Other Exemptions: You don't have to obtain a saltwater fishing license if:

1.) Anyone who holds a valid commercial Saltwater Products License other than the owner, operator or custodian of a vessel for which a Saltwater Fishing License is required. Only one person aboard a vessel to which a commercial Saltwater Products License has been issued may claim exemption at any given time. Saltwater Fishing Licenses are valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. A Five-Year Saltwater Fishing License and a Lifetime are also available to Florida residents. Non-Residents can apply for a three day, seven day or twelve month license for saltwater fishing.

Florida Resident Sportsman's License

The Florida Sportsman's License satisfies all state requirements for recreational hunting and freshwater fishing for Florida residents. The Florida Sportsman's License does not include permits for Resident Trapping License, Federal Duck Stamps, Resident Commercial License or Resident Fish Dealers License. This permit is valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. A Five-Year license is also available.

Lifetime Sportsman's License

For the convenience of securing permits for all hunting and fishing activities offered in Florida, a Lifetime Sportsman's License is available for a one time fee. This permit includes Hunting, Freshwater Fishing and Saltwater Fishing Licenses, Wildlife Management permits, Archery, Muzzle loading gun, Turkey, Florida Waterfowl, Snook and Lobster permits.

Miscellaneous Licenses
The Tax Collector's Office also sells: