What the Combination License Covers
Florida's Resident Combination Hunting and Saltwater Fishing License is a single permit that lets you hunt game on land and fish in saltwater, all under one document. You do not need to buy separate licenses for each activity — one purchase covers both. The license is valid for one year from the date of purchase.
This combination license does not cover freshwater fishing. If you plan to fish in lakes, rivers, or springs, you will need a separate freshwater license. Saltwater means ocean, bays, estuaries, and Gulf waters where the state classifies the water as marine.
The license itself is a wallet card you receive by mail or can print immediately if you purchase online. You must carry it with you whenever you hunt or fish in saltwater. A Fish and Wildlife Officer can ask to see it at any time.
Key Takeaways
- The combination license covers both hunting and saltwater fishing in one purchase, valid for one calendar year.
- Freshwater fishing requires a separate license and is not included in the combination permit.
- You can purchase the license online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website, by phone, or at authorized vendors statewide.
- The cost and any required stamps or endorsements depend on your age and the specific hunting seasons you plan to pursue.
- You must carry the physical license card with you whenever you hunt or fish in saltwater waters.
Who Needs This License
You need the combination license if you are a Florida resident and plan to hunt game animals or fish in saltwater. Residency means you have lived in Florida for at least six months and hold a valid Florida driver's license or ID card, or you own property in the state and meet other residency requirements set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Some people are exempt. Children under 16 do not need a license to hunt or fish if they are supervised by a licensed adult. Residents 65 and older can purchase a senior license at a reduced rate. Active-duty military members stationed in Florida may have different options.
If you only hunt or only fish in saltwater, you can buy a hunting-only or saltwater-only license instead. The combination license is most useful if you do both activities regularly.
Cost and Where to Buy
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sets the price annually. The cost varies depending on whether you are purchasing a standard resident license, a senior license, or a military license. Prices change each year, so check the FWC website for the current amount before you purchase.
You can buy the license through several channels. The official FWC website (myfwc.com) allows you to purchase online and print your license immediately. You can also call the FWC at their licensing phone line to order by phone and have the card mailed to you. Authorized vendors throughout Florida — including bait and tackle shops, sporting goods stores, and some outdoor retailers — sell licenses in person.
When you purchase, you will need to provide your name, address, date of birth, and Florida driver's license or ID number. If you plan to hunt certain game during specific seasons, you may also need to purchase additional stamps or endorsements (such as a deer stamp or waterfowl stamp), which cost extra and are required in addition to the base license.
Hunting Seasons and Regulations
Having the combination license does not mean you can hunt any animal at any time. Florida divides the year into specific hunting seasons for different game — deer, turkey, waterfowl, and small game each have their own dates. The FWC publishes an annual hunting guide that lists every season, the areas where hunting is allowed, bag limits (how many animals you can take), and weapon restrictions.
Some seasons overlap, and some areas are closed to hunting entirely. State forests and wildlife management areas have their own rules. Private land has fewer restrictions, but you must have the landowner's permission. Before you hunt, download the current hunting guide from myfwc.com or pick up a printed copy at a vendor.
Certain weapons are required for certain seasons. During rifle season for deer, you must use a rifle; during archery season, you must use a bow. Waterfowl hunting has strict rules about ammunition type and shot size. Violating these rules can result in fines and license suspension.
Saltwater Fishing Rules and Restrictions
The combination license allows you to fish in saltwater, but you still must follow size and bag limits for each species. The FWC sets these limits to protect fish populations. Common saltwater species in Florida include redfish, snook, tarpon, grouper, and snapper, and each has its own rules about minimum size, maximum size, and how many you can keep per day.
Some species are catch-and-release only, meaning you must return them to the water immediately. Others have seasonal closures when fishing for them is prohibited entirely. Certain areas, such as marine sanctuaries and protected seagrass beds, have additional restrictions or are closed to fishing altogether.
The FWC publishes a saltwater fishing guide with current regulations. Rules change frequently, so check the guide before each trip. You can find it on myfwc.com or request a printed copy at a vendor.
License Renewal and Expiration
Your combination license expires one year from the date you purchase it. You will need to renew it annually if you want to continue hunting and saltwater fishing. The FWC sends renewal notices by mail to the address on file, but you do not have to wait for the notice — you can renew online at any time before expiration.
Renewing online is the fastest option. You can also renew by phone or at an authorized vendor. If your license expires and you hunt or fish without renewing, you can be cited and fined. The renewal process is the same as the initial purchase: provide your information, pay the fee, and receive your new card by mail or print it immediately online.
If you move out of Florida or no longer plan to hunt or fish, you do not need to do anything — simply let the license expire. If you move back to Florida later, you can purchase a new license at that time.
What to Bring When You Hunt or Fish
Always carry your combination license card with you. A Fish and Wildlife Officer can stop you at any time and ask to see it. If you cannot produce it, you can be cited even if you own a valid license. Keep the card in your wallet or a waterproof case.
Beyond the license, what you need depends on where you are hunting or fishing. On public lands, you may need a parking permit or a vehicle pass. Some wildlife management areas require a special use permit. If you are fishing from a charter boat, the captain holds the license for the boat, not individual passengers. If you are fishing from your own boat, you need your personal license.
Bring identification as well. An officer may ask for your driver's license to verify your identity matches the license card. Having both documents ready makes the interaction quick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish in freshwater with the combination license?
No. The combination license covers saltwater fishing only. Freshwater fishing in lakes, rivers, and springs requires a separate freshwater license. If you plan to do both, you will need to purchase both licenses.
Do I need a license if I fish from a charter boat?
No. If you are a passenger on a licensed charter boat, the captain's license covers you. The boat itself must have a valid license, and the captain is responsible for ensuring all regulations are followed. You do not need your own license to fish as a passenger.
What happens if I lose my license card?
Contact the FWC to request a replacement. You can do this online, by phone, or at an authorized vendor. There is usually a small replacement fee. In the meantime, you can print a temporary license from the FWC website to carry with you, though an officer may ask for the original card as well.
Can I buy the license as a gift for someone else?
Yes. You can purchase a license for another person online or at a vendor if you provide their information. The license will be mailed to their address or they can print it if purchased online. Some vendors also sell gift certificates that the recipient can use to purchase their own license.
Do military members stationed in Florida get a discount?
Active-duty military members may be may be able to access for reduced-cost or free licenses depending on their status. Check the FWC website or call their licensing line for current military rates and requirements, as these can change.