What You Get With a Seven-Day Nonresident License

Florida's seven-day nonresident saltwater fishing license lets you fish in ocean and coastal waters for one week without buying the full-year license. You can fish from shore, a pier, a boat, or a charter — the license covers saltwater species in state waters (out to three nautical miles). It does not cover freshwater lakes or rivers, and it does not cover species that require a separate permit, like tarpon or snook.

The license is valid for seven consecutive calendar days starting the day you purchase it. If you buy on a Tuesday, it runs through the following Monday. You must carry the license with you while fishing and show it to a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officer if asked.

Key Takeaways

  • A seven-day nonresident saltwater license costs $17.97 and covers fishing in Florida's ocean and coastal waters for seven consecutive days.
  • You can purchase the license online through the FWC website, by phone, or at most bait-and-tackle shops and sporting goods retailers in Florida.
  • The license does not cover species like tarpon, snook, or permit, which require separate permits even with a valid fishing license.
  • You must have the license in your possession while fishing and present it to an FWC officer upon request.
  • Fishing from a licensed charter boat does not require your own license, but fishing from a private boat or shore does.

How to Buy Your License Online or In Person

The fastest way to get a seven-day license is through the FWC's official website at myfwc.com/license. You enter your name, address, and date of birth, select the seven-day nonresident saltwater option, and pay the fee. The license is emailed to you immediately as a PDF that you can print or display on your phone. No waiting, no shipping.

If you prefer to buy in person, visit any Florida bait-and-tackle shop, sporting goods store, or FWC office. Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, and Dick's Sporting Goods also sell licenses at their Florida locations. The cost is the same, and you walk out with a printed license the same day. You can also call the FWC at 888-FISH-FLA (888-347-4352) to purchase over the phone and have the license emailed to you.

What Species You Can Keep and Regulations That Apply

Common saltwater species open to nonresident anglers include redfish, spotted seatrout, grouper, snapper, flounder, mackerel, and pompano. Each species has a daily bag limit — the number you can keep per day — and a minimum size. Redfish, for example, have a 1-fish daily bag limit and must be between 18 and 27 inches. Spotted seatrout allow 10 fish per day at 12 inches minimum.

Some species are closed to harvest during certain months. Gag grouper, for instance, is often closed from January through April. Check the current FWC regulations before you fish because seasons and limits change. The FWC website lists all current rules by species, and most charter captains and bait shops can tell you what is open when you arrive.

Tarpon, snook, and permit are not included in your saltwater license. These species require a separate $10 tarpon tag or snook permit, purchased the same way as your license. If you plan to target these fish, buy the add-on permit at the same time you buy your seven-day license.

Fishing From a Charter Boat vs. Your Own Boat

If you book a guided trip on a licensed charter boat, you do not need your own fishing license. The charter captain holds a license that covers all passengers on board. This is one reason many visiting anglers choose charters — no license hassle, and the captain knows where the fish are and what regulations apply.

If you fish from a private boat (your own, a friend's, or a rental), you must have your own seven-day license. The same applies to shore fishing, pier fishing, or wading. Only the charter exemption removes the license requirement. If you rent a boat and fish alone or with friends, everyone aboard needs a license.

Where to Fish During Your Seven Days

Florida's saltwater fishing spans the Atlantic coast, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Keys. The east coast near Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach offers inshore flats for redfish and permit, plus offshore reefs for grouper and snapper. The Gulf side — Tampa Bay, the Panhandle, and the Keys — has similar species but different seasonal patterns. Tarpon run strong in the Keys and along the Gulf coast in spring and early summer.

Inshore fishing (flats, bays, and near-shore reefs) is often best in fall and spring when water temperatures are moderate. Summer can be productive but is hot and slow midday. Winter brings cooler weather but can be windy and choppy. The Keys stay fishable year-round but are most crowded and expensive in winter.

Public boat ramps are free or low-cost and are found throughout Florida's coastal counties. Piers and jetties allow shore fishing without a boat. Many are free; some charge a small daily fee. Check with your lodging or a local bait shop for the nearest ramp or pier to where you are staying.

Renewal and What Happens If Your Seven Days Expire

Your seven-day license is valid for exactly seven consecutive days. Once it expires, you cannot fish saltwater without buying another license. If you plan to stay longer than a week, you have two options: buy a second seven-day license (which costs $17.97 again), or buy a 365-day nonresident saltwater license for $46.97 before your first license expires.

The 365-day license is better value if you will fish more than three times during your stay. You can buy it online, by phone, or in person the same way as the seven-day license. There is no grace period — the moment your seven days end, you are not licensed to fish, so plan ahead if you know you will stay longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license if I fish from a public pier?

Yes. Fishing from a pier, jetty, or shore requires a saltwater license. The only exception is if the pier is part of a state park or facility that has its own rules — ask the pier attendant. A licensed charter boat is the only situation where you do not need your own license.

Can I fish for snook or tarpon with my seven-day license?

No. Snook and tarpon require separate permits in addition to your saltwater license. A snook permit costs $10 and a tarpon tag costs $10. Buy both at the same time you purchase your seven-day license if you plan to target these species.

What if I lose my license or it gets wet?

If you bought online, you have a PDF copy in your email — print another or show the email on your phone. If you bought in person and lost the paper, contact the FWC at 888-FISH-FLA and provide your name and purchase date. They can reissue it or email you a copy. Keep a photo of your license on your phone as backup.

Can I fish at night with my seven-day license?

Yes. Your license is valid 24 hours a day for the seven days it covers. Some species have nighttime closures or special rules, so check the FWC regulations for the species you want to target. Most inshore species like redfish and trout can be fished at night.

Is the seven-day license cheaper than renting a boat with a guide?

A seven-day license costs $17.97. A half-day charter typically costs $400 to $600, and a full day costs $600 to $1,200 depending on the boat and location. If you have your own boat or fish from shore or a pier, the license is your only cost. If you want a guide, a charter is usually the better deal because the captain's license covers you.