The Tax Collector serves as an Agent of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

In this capacity, the Tax Collector is responsible for the sale of a variety of hunting and fishing permits. It is the Tax Collector’s duty to collect all monies from these sales and maintain the records associated with these transactions. Hunting and Fishing Licenses may be obtained at the Tax Collector’s Office or various sport stores, bait and tackle shops, and retail stores. All citizens who intend to hunt or fish in Florida require a valid license. The only exceptions to the law are:

• Residents 65 years of age and over are entitled to a complimentary Citizen Hunting and Fishing Certificate
• Children under the age of 16 are not required to have a license, however, they must carry proof of age identification.
• Permanently and totally disabled residents can obtain a special exemption card. An authorized disability statement must be presented upon application. This permit is free.

• Residents who have been accepted by The Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services as a client for retardation and development services are exempt from the license requirements.

• A Florida resident who is a member of the U.S. armed forces and is not stationed in Florida is exempt from the license requirements while home on leave for 30 days or less. Proof of orders must be on the person while hunting or fishing.

LICENSE TYPES:

The Florida Lifetime Sportsman’s License satisfies all state requirements for recreational hunting and freshwater fishing for Florida residents. The Florida Sportsman’s License does not include permits for Resident Trapping License, Federal Waterfowl Stamps, Resident Commercial License or Resident Fish Dealers license. This permit is valid 12 months from the date of issuance. A five-year license is also available.

• Lifetime Sportsman’s License:

For the avid sportsman who wants the convenience of securing permits for all hunting and fishing activities offered in Florida, for a one-time fee, a Lifetime Sportsman’s License is available. This permit includes hunting, turkey, Florida waterfowl, snook, and crawfish stamps. This unique license remains valid if the purchaser moves out of state.

• Miscellaneous Licenses:

The Tax Collector’s Office also sells:

• Non-resident hunting and fishing licenses

• Archery and muzzle-loading permits

• State duck stamps and Florida waterfowl stamps

• Management area stamp

• Federal duck stamp

• Snook and crawfish permits

• Turkey permits

Information, Forms & Applications:

PROOF OF RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS:

RESIDENCY:

F.S. 372.001(1) defines “RESIDENT” as:

Any person who has continually resided in this state for six months prior to applying for a license and who has an intent to continue to reside in Florida, and to claim Florida as their primary residence.

Any member of the United States Armed Forces who is stationed in Florida (includes spouse and dependent children residing in household).

• Acceptable Proof of Residency:

Any ONE of the following:

• Florida driver license, “Florida Only” and (“Florida Identification Card” are NOT acceptable proof.)

• Military orders

• Current Florida Homestead Exemption Card

• Florida Voter’s Registration Card

• Landlord Affidavit for residency (for renters who do not drive, and do not possess any of the required proofs listed)

If questioned by law enforcement, it is up to the customer to prove Florida residency. Note: You cannot possess an out-of-state driver license and still claim to be a Florida resident.

HUNTING & FRESHWATER FISHING:

RESIDENCY:

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulates hunting and freshwater fishing in the State of Florida. This agency sets and enforces policies and initiates environmental conservation programs to protect Florida wildlife. In addition, this state office determines license fees, which are set by the Florida Legislature.

Hunting licenses are annual permits valid 12 months from the date of issuance. A 5-day hunting and fishing license, and a lifetime hunting license is also available to Florida residents. Non-residents can apply for a 10-day hunting permit.

Freshwater fishing licenses are valid 12 months from the date of issuance. A 5-year freshwater fishing license and a lifetime freshwater fishing license are also available to Florida residents. Non-residents can apply for a 7-day permit.

The “Cane Pole Law” allows Florida residents to fish in the county of his/her residency with live or natural bait, using poles or hand lines that are not equipped with a reel, for non-commercial purposes; however, a valid Fishing License Stamp is required to fish by any method in a fish management area. No license stamp is required to fish in a private fishing pond.

SALTWATER FISHING:

RESIDENCY:

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is the administrative office that regulates saltwater fishing. The FWC Division of Law Enforcement is the law enforcement agency that is charged with protecting the valuable marine resources of the State of Florida.