Fishing is one of Florida’s most beloved outdoor recreational activities. With year-round warm weather and abundant coastline, rivers, lakes, and ponds, the Sunshine State offers world-class fishing for everything from largemouth bass to mahi mahi. For Florida residents age 65 and older, fishing just got even better with the availability of free lifetime recreational fishing licenses.

Eligibility

Any Florida resident age 65 or older is eligible to obtain a free lifetime saltwater and freshwater fishing license in the state. You must be able to provide proof of age and residency upon request by an officer, such as a Florida driver’s license or ID card.

The free license remains valid for life as long as you maintain Florida residency. Nonresidents and those with secondary homes in Florida do not qualify for the free senior license.

How to Get Your Florida Senior Fishing License

Obtaining your free senior fishing license in Florida is easy and convenient through the state’s recreational licensing system, GoOutdoorsFlorida. You have two options:

  1. Obtain a Resident 65+ Hunt/Fish Certificate This one-time certificate covers both hunting and fishing privileges for Florida seniors.

    • Visit the GoOutdoorsFlorida website and create an account
    • Under “Available Licenses,” select “65+ Hunt/Fish Certificate”
    • Enter your date of birth and upload proof of age and residency documents
    • Complete the questionnaire and check out (no payment required)
    • Print or save digital copy of your 65+ Certificate

  2. Use Your Florida Driver’s License/ID As an alternative to the certificate, you can simply provide your valid Florida driver’s license or ID with matching address as proof of age and residency while fishing.