Do You Need a Fishing License for Fishing Charter in Florida?

Charter, boat and saltwater fishing guide operations must have an FWC charter captain or boat license to cover their passengers, who are not required to have a recreational saltwater fishing license. Recreational FishingInformation on the types of licenses and permits you'll need to fish in Florida, including prices and where to buy them. Charter captains will have a boat license that covers all fishermen on board, resident or non-resident. Most dock operators also have a general license to cover fishing from the dock.

However, licenses are required on docks where an operator or administrator is not physically present to control access to the dock. Florida fishing guides represent an important sector of the fishing industry, providing access to the marine environment and to coastal, maritime and migratory fishing. The process of running a fishing guide business is complex, with a variety of requirements. This document is designed to assist guides by providing a quick list of the basic requirements needed to operate as a rental guide in the state of Florida and adjacent federal waters. Every fishing guide business is unique, so not all rules will apply equally.

As guides navigate through this checklist, they should consider a variety of factors, such as the type of freight they operate, the ship they operate, where they operate, and the species they are going to, to determine if any requirements apply to their situation. Required if driving from a rental boat in coastal waters. Kayak guides don't need a USCG license. Guides who fish in freshwaters that are not navigable to the coast (inland waters not regulated by the USCG) do not need a license from the USCG.

Coast Guard Vessel Safety Requirements

In addition to requirements for private vessels, enrolled in an ongoing random drug testing program (you must bring a test with you) applies to any state rental operation that aims to fish or harvest red snapper, maroon snapper, gag grouper, red grouper, black grouper, black grouper, gray crossbow fish, large amber, minor amber, rudder fish with bands or warehouses in Gulf state waters (except Sea Turtle Release Equipment required (Monroe County) in all Gulf reef fishing boats allowed by the federal government for rent (CFR 622.29 (a) () Sea turtle release equipment is required on all federally authorized Atlantic snapper vessels (CFR 622.179 (a) () ().

The authors are indebted to the staff of state and federal agencies, who provided their time and advice in preparing this document. Fishing licenses are required to fish in all of Florida's fresh and saltwater. To fish in St. Petersburg, you will need a fishing license. If you have a fishing rod near the water, you must have a license, whether you are fishing or not.

Fishing Charters Cover Licenses

Now that you have your Florida fishing license, it's time to make sure your fishing gear is stocked and ready to use.

The good news for Florida visitors is that saltwater fishing charters cover licenses for everyone on board, so they can just sit back and enjoy their time on the water. You can fish on a dock for recreational purposes, but you still need a valid saltwater fishing license at the dock. You must obtain a hunting and fishing license for disabled Florida residents, which allows you to fish in fresh and salt water and harvest sea bass and lobsters.

Chartered Boats Are Ideal for Beginners

Chartered boats are ideal for beginners because the captain will inform you about the best fishing techniques in the area. Another exception is for residents who fish with live or natural bait, using rods or lines that are not equipped with a fishing line recovery mechanism (a reel), and you are fishing for non-commercial purposes in your home county.

Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission Sets Aside Eight Days

Each year, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission sets aside eight (days) to encourage Florida residents to go fishing without a license.

Any resident who fishes for recreational purposes only, within their county of residence with live or natural bait, using a rod rod or a simple fishing line that is not equipped with a recovery mechanism, such as a Cuban Yoyo, more commonly known as a Cuban platform.

Rental Boats Provide Fishing Equipment

You usually don't have to worry about this when you rent a boat, as many will provide you with the fishing equipment you need. And be careful: even if you're helping someone else fish by baiting their hooks and setting up their equipment, you also need a fishing license. This quick guide was prepared to help Florida fishing guides ensure that they comply with local, state, and federal requirements related to operating a rental fishing business.