Where can i go to get a fishing license

We are strongly encouraging our tax payers and customers to conduct any Tax Collector business transactions including purchasing licenses and permits using the button Fishing Licenses located to the right under Online Options to access the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's website instead of visiting our Public Service Office in person.

With some exceptions, you must have a license to fish in Florida. There are two types of fishing licenses: freshwater and saltwater. Each one has certain restrictions for the type of fish you can take. Combination licenses and different commercial freshwater fishing licenses are also available.

Licenses and permits are issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). They can be bought at the FWC website, at the Tax Collector's office, places such as sporting goods stores or hunting and fishing equipment retailers, or by calling 1-888-486-8356.

Fishing licenses are regulated by the state of Florida, with fees for licenses and permits set by the Florida Legislature.

Residents and non-residents alike must have a license to fish or shellfish in Washington waters. Everyone age 15 and older needs a fishing license. You do not need a license if you are fishing for common carp, crawfish, bullfrogs, or collecting relic shells.

If you're fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, or Puget Sound Dungeness crab, your license will come with a catch record card to track your harvest. Everyone, including those younger than 15, must carry a catch record card when fishing. All catch record cards must be returned to WDFW by the appropriate deadline, even if you didn't catch anything.

Buying a license

If you're ready to buy a license, you can visit our online licensing system, contact us by phone at 360-902-2464, or visit one of the hundreds of license dealers around the state. When buying online or by phone, it may take up to 10 days to receive your license in the mail. If your WILD ID has an email address associated with it, you will be emailed a temporary license to use for that 10-day period. There are no temporary catch record cards or tags. If you need immediate use of a catch record card or tag, please visit a local license dealer to make your purchase. 

Federal and state law require everyone 15 and older to provide their social security number before purchasing a license, whether buying in person, online, or by phone.

You can now use a mobile device to show proof of hunting and fishing licenses for activities that do not require tagging or physical stamps. Just enter your license information in the Outdoor Annual mobile app “Licenses” section of the app.

Physical license and tags are required for hunting and fishing activities that require tags, such as deer and turkey.

CDFW's License and Revenue Branch (LRB) relocated to the newly constructed California Natural Resources Agency building in downtown Sacramento in October 2021. The new location does not have a public license sales counter. However, LRB still serves as the hub for CDFW license sales operations and license agent support, and continues to be available by phone, email, fax, the internet, and various mail carrier services Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (excluding state holidays).

Additionally, various licenses, permits, tags, and other entitlements continue to be available for purchase using the following sales channels:

• In person, through independent license sales agents (such as a local sporting goods store, large discount store, or a bait and tackle shop). Search for a license sales agent near you(opens in new tab).
• Online, through CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services website(opens in new tab). See the variety of items that can be purchased online.
• Over the telephone, through CDFW’s authorized telephone sales agent at (800) 565-1458.

Online License Sales and Services(opens in new tab)

• Buy or renew a license, tag, report card, lands pass, warden stamp, and more!
• Enter drawings or check draw results
• Pay your Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement or Cannabis Remediation Fee
• Update your CDFW customer profile or add an email address 
• Opt-in/out for License Reminders and CDFW News!
• Report fishing or hunting harvest reports(opens in new tab)

Additional Info & FAQs

Where to Buy

Online -or- Find a Local Sales Agent

Learn More About

• Sport Fishing Licenses, Validations, Report Cards Harvest Reporting
• Hunting Licenses, Validations, Tags Harvest Reporting
• Lifetime Licenses

Permits and Business Licenses

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