What the Combination License Covers

Florida's Resident Combination Hunting and Freshwater Fishing License is a single permit that lets you hunt game animals and fish in freshwater on the same license. You do not need to buy two separate licenses — this one covers both activities for the calendar year. The license is valid from January 1 through December 31.

The combination license does not cover saltwater fishing. If you plan to fish in coastal waters, bays, or the Gulf, you will need a separate saltwater license. It also does not include a Migratory Bird Stamp, which is required to hunt ducks, geese, and other waterfowl — you purchase that as an add-on if you hunt those species.

Freshwater fishing under this license covers bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, and other species in lakes, rivers, and ponds across the state. Hunting privileges include deer, wild boar, rabbit, squirrel, and other game animals during their designated seasons. The specific seasons, bag limits, and legal methods for each species are set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and change annually.

Key Takeaways

  • The combination license covers both freshwater fishing and hunting in one purchase, valid for the calendar year January through December.
  • Saltwater fishing requires a separate license; the combination license does not include ocean, bay, or Gulf fishing.
  • Hunting waterfowl requires an additional Migratory Bird Stamp purchased at the time you buy the license.
  • You must follow FWC season dates, bag limits, and legal methods for each species, which vary by year and region.
  • Residents must have a valid Florida driver's license or ID to purchase the license.

Who Can Buy a Resident Combination License

You must be a Florida resident to purchase this license. The FWC defines a resident as someone who has lived in Florida for at least six consecutive months immediately before applying, or who holds a valid Florida driver's license or Florida ID card. If you moved to Florida recently, you may not yet meet the residency requirement — the six-month clock starts from your arrival date, not from when you obtained a Florida ID.

You must be at least 16 years old to hunt. Freshwater fishing has no age minimum, but anyone under 16 who wants to fish must have a license. Children under 16 can fish without a license only if they are supervised by a licensed adult and do not possess their own rod and reel. If a child holds their own fishing rod, they need their own license regardless of age.

If you are a non-resident or do not yet meet Florida's residency requirement, the FWC sells separate non-resident licenses for hunting and fishing. These cost more than resident licenses and are typically valid for shorter periods — often 7 days or 30 days rather than a full year.

Cost and Where to Buy

The resident combination license costs a set amount that the FWC adjusts periodically; the current price is available on the FWC website. You can purchase the license online through the FWC's license portal, by phone, or in person at authorized vendors across Florida. Authorized vendors include sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some outdoor retailers. Many county tax collectors' offices also sell licenses.

When you buy online, you receive your license immediately as a digital document that you print or display on your phone. If you buy in person, you receive a physical license card on the spot. Either format is valid — you do not need both. The license is non-refundable once purchased, even if you do not use it.

If you lose your license, you can request a replacement through the FWC website or by contacting an authorized vendor. Replacement licenses typically cost less than a new license and can be issued quickly.

Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits

Hunting seasons in Florida vary by species and region. Deer season typically runs from late July through early January, but the exact dates and legal methods (rifle, shotgun, crossbow, or archery) depend on which hunting zone you are in and which season period you choose. Hog hunting is open year-round in most areas with no bag limit. Squirrel and rabbit seasons usually run from late summer through early spring.

Bag limits — the number of animals you can legally take per day — differ by species and sometimes by county. A deer bag limit might be one per day during rifle season but two per day during archery season. The FWC publishes an annual hunting guide that lists every season date, legal method, and bag limit by species and region. You are required to know these rules before you hunt; ignorance is not a legal defense.

Hunting on private land requires the landowner's permission. Hunting on public land requires knowing which public areas allow hunting and which do not — some state forests and wildlife management areas have restricted zones. The FWC website lists public hunting lands and their rules by county.

Freshwater Fishing Regulations

Freshwater fishing in Florida is open year-round for most species, but some have seasonal restrictions. Bass fishing, for example, has a closed season in some areas during spawning months. Crappie and bluegill have no closed season statewide. Daily bag limits vary: largemouth bass typically has a limit of five fish per day, while bluegill and other panfish often have higher limits or no limit at all.

Size limits also apply to many species. A largemouth bass must be at least 12 inches long to keep; smaller fish must be released. Catfish have no size limit. The FWC publishes a freshwater fishing guide with current limits for every species and every body of water, because some lakes have special regulations that differ from statewide rules.

You must keep your license with you while fishing and hunting. If a wildlife officer stops you, you must produce it on demand. Fishing without a license or hunting without a license is a violation that can result in fines and loss of hunting and fishing privileges.

Migratory Bird Stamp and Waterfowl Hunting

If you plan to hunt ducks, geese, coots, or other migratory waterfowl, you must purchase a Migratory Bird Stamp in addition to your combination license. This is a separate add-on that you buy at the same time as your license. The stamp is required by federal law and is enforced by the FWC.

Waterfowl seasons in Florida typically run from mid-November through early January, with specific opening and closing dates set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Bag limits for ducks and geese are set federally and vary by species — you might be allowed two mallards per day but only one pintail. The FWC hunting guide includes waterfowl regulations and a chart showing which species are legal to hunt during each week of the season.

Waterfowl hunting requires specific methods: shotgun with non-toxic shot (steel, bismuth, or tungsten), or bow and arrow. Lead shot is illegal for waterfowl hunting nationwide. Hunting over bait or in areas with grain or other attractants is also illegal.

What You Need to Know Before You Hunt or Fish

Purchasing a license does not automatically give you access to all hunting and fishing areas. Private land requires the owner's permission. Public lands — state forests, wildlife management areas, and some county parks — have their own rules about where and when hunting and fishing are allowed. Some areas require a separate permit or have restricted seasons. Check the FWC website or call your regional FWC office before heading out.

You must follow all FWC rules about legal methods and equipment. For hunting, this means using only approved firearms, bows, or other weapons for each species during each season. For fishing, it means following rules about rod and reel type, number of lines, and use of live bait versus artificial lures — these rules vary by water body.

The FWC conducts regular patrols and checks licenses. Violations carry fines, loss of license privileges, and potential criminal charges depending on the severity. Hunting or fishing without a license, exceeding bag limits, or hunting out of season are common violations with serious consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish in saltwater with a resident combination license?

No. The combination license covers only freshwater fishing. Saltwater fishing in Florida requires a separate saltwater license. If you plan to fish both freshwater and saltwater, you will need to purchase both licenses.

Do I need a license to fish in my own pond on my property?

If the pond is entirely on your own land and you own the water rights, you do not need a license to fish there. If the pond is on leased land, shared property, or if water rights are held by someone else, you need a license. When in doubt, contact the FWC or your county tax collector's office.

What happens if I buy the license in November and want to use it next year?

The license is valid only for the calendar year in which you purchase it. A license bought in November 2024 expires on December 31, 2024. You must purchase a new license for 2025. The FWC does not carry over unused licenses or offer refunds.

Can I hunt on public land without asking permission first?

Public hunting lands are open to licensed hunters during designated seasons, but you must follow all posted rules and restrictions. Some areas are closed to hunting entirely, and others have specific zones or seasons. Check the FWC website or call your regional office to confirm that the area you want to hunt is open and that you understand the current season dates and bag limits.

What if I move out of Florida — can I get a refund?

No. Licenses are non-refundable once purchased, regardless of whether you use them or move away. If you no longer live in Florida, you will need a non-resident license to hunt or fish in the state.