About Hunting & Fishing
The Tax Collector serves as an agent for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for the sale of all hunting licenses, fresh and salt-water fishing licenses, waterfowl stamps, and game management permits. It is the Tax Collectors’ duty to collect all monies from these sales of hunting and fishing license and maintain the records associated with these transactions.
All hunting rules and regulations may be obtained by accessing the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website. Information on hunt seasons, quota hunt permits, Special-Opportunity hunts, and purchasing licenses online are some of the areas you can access.
FWC Announce Saltwater/Freshwater License-Free Fishing Days in the State of Florida
On these days, Florida residents and visitors can experience Florida’s unique saltwater/freshwater fishing opportunities first hand without being required to have a recreational saltwater/freshwater fishing license. Don’t forget, all other regulations such as seasons, size limits and bag limits still apply on these days.
License-Free Fishing Days
Saltwater
- First Saturday and Sunday in June
- First Saturday in September (Labor Day)
- Saturday following Thanksgiving
Freshwater
- First Saturday and Sunday in April
- Second Saturday and Sunday in June (Father’s Day)
Proof of Florida Residency for FWC
Valid Florida Driver’s License or ID Card
- Valid Florida Driver’s License or ID Card
- Copy of orders for members of U.S. Military & their immediate family stationed in Florida
Alternate proof ONLY IF resident does not have a Florida Driver’s License or ID card
Alternate Proofs of Residency include:
- Current Florida Voter Information Card
- Declaration of Domicile (obtained from County Clerk of Court)
- Florida Homestead Exemption
- Parent’s Proof of Residency (for child under 18)
- Student ID from Florida school (for child under 18)
Manatee and Sea Turtle Decals:
Receive a manatee or sea turtle decal for a $5.00 donation. Your contribution and continued support through decal sales assists Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation staff with research, rescue, rehabilitation, conservation, management and education efforts for benefit of these endangered species.
Important Hunting and Fishing Information
- Licenses are annual and expire 12 months from the date of issuance.
- A valid hunting and/or fishing license must be carried on his or her person when participating in these activities.
- Anyone born on or after June 1,1975, must have passed an approved hunter education course before they can be licensed to take wildlife in Florida. Hunter’s Safety Deferral license is available one time; however, individual must be under supervision of licensed hunter 21 years or older.
- Lifetime and Senior citizen fishing licenses are available through the Tax Collector’s Office only.
- An application for a disability hunting and/or fishing license may be obtained from your local Tax Collector’s Office and must be mailed to Tallahassee for issuance.
- A Florida resident freshwater license is required when using a rod and reel from land, bridge, dock or vessel for anyone older than 16 years of age.
- To replace a lost or stolen license or permit, contact the Tax Collector’s office. There is a $2.00 duplicate fee charge per valid license/permit held.
- Hunting and fishing licenses may be obtained at all Martin County Tax Collector Offices.