Shoreline Fishing License Free to Residents

Starting today, July 1, 2010, the license for FL residents to catch saltwater fish from shore is now free. Last year it cost $9 but the FL Legislature repealed the shoreline license fee during the past session. You still need to get the license but you won't have to pay for it if you're a FL resident. If you order your license over the phone or internet you will still have to pay the processing fee to the vendor ($2.31 for internet sales at www.fl.wildlifelicense.com or $3.33 for phone sales through 888-FISH-FLORIDA). A couple of permit fees did increase today also. The snook permit increased from $2 to $10 and the lobster permit increased $2 to $5. All permits and licenses can be purchases online at www.fl.wildlifelicense.com, at county tax collector's offices, many retail outlets that sell fishing supplies, and by calling 888-FISH-FLORIDA. Check out http://myfwc.com/License/ for more information on license requirements and current exemptions.