Free fishing weekends: You can fish without a license
(Photo by Maddie Meyer Getty Images)
ORLANDO, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced during this weekend, April 7th and 8th, people can fish without a license requirement.
Free fishing days provide an excellent opportunity for parents who don't yet have licenses to take youth fishing, or avid anglers, to introduce a friend to fishing without having to purchase a license.
On the following fays, the fishing license requirement is waived for all recreational anglers (residents and non-residents).
License-free freshwater days
- First consecutive Saturday and Sunday in April
- Second consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June
License-free saltwater days
- First consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June
- First Saturday in September
- Saturday following Thanksgiving
The saltwater waiver applies to any recreational harvest requiring a saltwater fishing license (e.g., crabbing, lobstering, scalloping, etc.) as well as fishing from shore or a boat. A snook or spiny lobster permit are not required on these days.