Practical · Quick answers
Do you need a fishing license in Fort Myers?
Photo by Mark Jacquez via Unsplash
Who needs a license and who does not
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rules apply throughout Lee County. Non-residents fishing from shore, a private boat or a kayak need a non-resident saltwater license. Florida residents need either a standard saltwater license or, if fishing only from shore or a structure attached to shore, the free Shoreline license.
Exemptions include anglers under 16, Florida residents 65 and older with proof of residency, and anyone fishing from a vessel or pier that holds its own commercial or pier licence.
- Charter or guided trip: the boat's licence covers you — buy nothing
- Licensed public fishing pier: covered by the pier's licence
- Private boat, kayak or wading: you need your own licence
- Under 16: no licence required, resident or not
- Freshwater canals and lakes: a separate freshwater licence is required
Where to buy and what it costs
Licences are sold online through GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, by phone, and at most bait shops and sporting goods stores in Fort Myers. Non-resident options include 3-day, 7-day and annual saltwater permits; the short-term permits are inexpensive and the right choice for a typical vacation.
Snook, spiny lobster and tarpon each require an additional stamp or permit on top of the base licence. Snook has a closed season in Gulf waters — check current FWC dates before keeping anything.
Related questions
Do you need a license to fish from a pier in Fort Myers?
Not if the pier holds its own pier licence, which most public fishing piers in Lee County do. Confirm at the pier — the licence status is posted.
Do kids need a fishing license in Florida?
No. Anglers under 16 do not need a Florida fishing licence, resident or non-resident.
How much is a non-resident saltwater fishing license in Florida?
Florida offers 3-day, 7-day and annual non-resident saltwater licences at tiered prices; the short-term permits are the cheapest option for a vacation. Buy at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or any local bait shop.