Hunting and fishing in Florida? Here’s how to get a license from Go Outdoors

The fish are biting − but are you licensed to catch them?

Go Outdoors Florida, an online licensing system for anglers and hunters, offers a quick and easy way to prepare for your next fishing or hunting trip. Here's how it works.

What is Go Outdoors Florida?

It's the official licensing site of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. It offers recreation hunting and fishing licenses, captive wildlife permits and harvest reporting.

How do I get a fishing or hunting license online?

Florida residents and nonresidents can purchase permits, but pricing may be different. If you haven’t already, create an account with the FWC to begin the application on Go Outdoors Florida. Once you’re logged into your account, click on “Recreational Licenses” tab. There, you’ll select, “Click here to get a license.” Voila! You’ll see dozens of hunting licenses to select from.

Why, shello there!Visitors from Buffalo uncover 2 large horse conch shells on Sanibel Island

Go fish?Big spring speckled trout, snook, snapper are biting

What kind of fishing license can you get?

• Combinations: These are licenses that include a bundle saltwater, fresh water and hunting permits. It’ll cover all your bases, and pricing ranges from $20 for a 1-year license to $494 for a 5-year license.
• Saltwater Fishing: These licenses span from lobster permits, blue crab traps to shoreline fishing. Pricing ranges from a free saltwater shoreline fishing license to $79 for a 5-year saltwater fishing license.
• Freshwater Fishing: These licenses include all freshwater fishing. Pricing ranges from $17 for a 1-year freshwater fishing license to $79 for a 5-year freshwater fishing license.
• For $17, youth saltwater fishing and freshwater fishing licenses are available for children ages 8 to 15 who have completed hunter safety education.

What kind of hunting license can you get?

• Hunting: Licenses span deer, turkey and waterfowl permit. Prices range from $17 for a 1-year hunting license to $79 for a 5-year hunting license.
• For $17, youth hunting licenses are available for children ages 8 to 15 who have completed hunter safety education.

Do I really need this to go fishing or hunting?

The FWC says on its website that Florida residents and visitors are required to possess a Florida hunting, freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing license when hunting or fishing. This includes catch-and-release fishing.

"A license is required to attempt to take fish," FWC said on its website. "If you cast a line or catch and release, you need a fishing license."

Where is the license valid at?

Keep up to date with hunting zones and dates on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission site. Make sure to check if there's designated dates for each animal, large and small, and possession limit for each license.