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, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission determine license fees which are set by the Florida Legislature.
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 on-line. 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. A valid license is required by all citizens who intend to hunt or fish in Florida. Residents 65 years of age and over are entitled to a complimentary Senior Citizen Hunting and Fishing License. This license can be obtained at any of our Tax Collector locations. For more information visit: myFWC.com
Hunting and Freshwater Fishing
Hunting and Freshwater fishing licenses are annual permits valid for 12 months from the start date. Five-Year and Lifetime licenses 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 with free Shoreline 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
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 based on number of participants. This recreational license will exempt passengers from having to obtain individual licenses. For a list of exemptions, visit myFWC.com
Saltwater Fishing Licenses are valid for 12 months from the start date. 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 start date. A Five-Year license is also available.
Gold Sportsman License includes Hunting, Freshwater and Saltwater licenses, Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzle-loading Gun, Crossbow, Deer, Turkey, Florida Waterfowl, Snook and Lobster permits and is available for 1 or 5 years from start date of license.
Military Gold Sportsman License includes the same as a Gold Sportsman, and is available at a discounted price for Florida Residents who are Retired or Active Duty military. This can only be obtained at a Tax Collectors office upon verification of Military status.
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.
Payments
The Okaloosa County Tax Collector’s Office accepts cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. All credit/debit card transactions will have a bank card user fee applied. Licenses can be purchased directly from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or toll free at 1-888-HUNT-FLORIDA (486-8356) or 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356).