Florida fine for fishing without a license (2026)
Fishing without a license in Florida is a $50 civil penalty plus the cost of the license: $67 for a resident who needs the $17 annual license. A repeat within 36 months is $250 plus the license, $267 for a resident (s.379.401(1)(c); FWC license prices; verified Oct 25, 2026).
Last updated Oct 25, 2026 · Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Not legal advice. The amount on your citation or clerk notice controls.
- 1st offense, resident
- $67
- Repeat within 36 months, resident
- $267
- If you go to court, 1st offense
- At least $50
- Resident annual license
- $17
What is the fine for fishing without a license in Florida?
It is a Level One noncriminal infraction under s.379.401(1).
| Situation | Penalty | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| 1st offense | $50 + the license, or buy the license, show proof and pay $50 | s.379.401(1)(c)1 |
| Repeat within 36 months | $250 + the license | s.379.401(1)(c)2 |
| You choose to go to court | At least $50 for a first offense; up to $500 for later offenses | s.379.401(1)(h) |
| Licensed but not carrying it | $10, if you produce a license valid when cited | s.379.401(1)(i) |
| Not paying, not appearing or refusing the citation | 2nd-degree misdemeanor, up to $500 | s.379.401, s.775.083 |
Example: a resident caught without the $17 annual license pays $50 + $17 = $67. A repeat within 36 months is $250 + $17 = $267.
How much is a Florida fishing license?
| License | Price |
|---|---|
| Resident annual | $17 |
| Resident 5-year | $79 |
| Non-resident 3-day | $17 |
| Non-resident 7-day | $30 |
| Non-resident annual | $47 |
Source: FWC saltwater and freshwater fishing license pages, verified Oct 25, 2026.
Fishing from shore in saltwater? Florida residents can get a no-cost annual saltwater shoreline license from FWC. It covers saltwater fishing from the shoreline or a structure attached to shore, but not fishing from a boat, from a shoreline you reached by boat, or while swimming or diving. Source: FWC saltwater fishing licenses, verified Oct 25, 2026.
Does it cost more in Miami-Dade, Broward or Palm Beach?
The penalty is set by state law, so it is the same statewide. No clerk publishes whether court costs are added to a paid FWC penalty, and the statute does not say. Check your citation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fine for fishing without a license in Florida?
$50 plus the cost of the license (s.379.401(1)(c)1). For a resident who needs the $17 annual license, that is $67.
What if I get caught fishing without a license twice in Florida?
A repeat within 36 months is $250 plus the license, $267 for a resident (s.379.401(1)(c)2).
What if I had a fishing license but didn't have it with me?
You pay a $10 fee if you produce a license that was valid when you were cited (s.379.401(1)(i)).
How much is a Florida fishing license?
Resident annual $17 and resident 5-year $79; non-resident 3-day $17, 7-day $30 and annual $47 (FWC, verified Oct 25, 2026).
Sources
- Section 379.401, Florida Statutes (2026): fish and wildlife penalties (verified Oct 25, 2026)
- Section 775.083, Florida Statutes (2026): maximum fines for misdemeanors and felonies (verified Oct 25, 2026)
- FWC: saltwater fishing licenses (prices) (verified Oct 25, 2026)
- FWC: freshwater fishing licenses (prices) (verified Oct 25, 2026)
Last updated: Oct 25, 2026 · Next review: Jan 15, 2027 · Download CSV (fine totals) · Methodology
Not legal advice. The amount on your citation or clerk notice controls.