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Florida Keys Fishing License Guide (2026) — Reef, Flats, Bridge & Charter Rules
Reviewed by FishKillFlea Editorial Team
Everything you need to know about fishing licenses in the Florida Keys. Covers saltwater license requirements, bridge and pier exemptions, charter boat rules, backcountry flats fishing, and Key West regulations.
The Florida Keys offer some of the most diverse and exciting fishing in the United States — from backcountry flats full of bonefish and tarpon to offshore reefs holding grouper and snapper to deep-water Gulf Stream runs for marlin and sailfish. Whether you’re a first-time angler or a seasoned fly fisherman, here’s everything you need to know about fishing licenses for the Keys.
What License Do You Need?
The Florida Keys are entirely saltwater, so you’ll need a Florida saltwater fishing license:
| License Type | Resident Cost | Non-Resident Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Saltwater | $17 | $47 | 1 year |
| 7-Day Saltwater | — | $30 | 7 days |
| 3-Day Saltwater | — | $17 | 3 days |
| 5-Year Saltwater | $79 | — | 5 years (residents only) |
| Shoreline (free) | Free | Free | Fishing from shore or designated structures |
Where to buy: GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, Walmart, tackle shops, and marinas throughout the Keys. You can also purchase through the Fish|Hunt FL app for an instant digital license on your phone.
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When You DON’T Need a License in the Keys
Florida has several exemptions that are particularly relevant in the Keys:
Free Shoreline Fishing
Florida residents can fish from shore or a man-made structure attached to shore (piers, docks, seawalls, bridges) without a saltwater license. This exemption is for residents only.
Charter Boat Exemption
If you’re fishing on a licensed Florida charter boat, the charter vessel’s license covers all passengers. You do NOT need your own individual license. This applies to:
- Full-day and half-day charter trips
- Party boats and head boats
- Backcountry flats guide boats
Bridge Fishing
Many Keys bridges are accessible for fishing. Residents can fish from bridges for free under the shoreline exemption. Non-residents need a valid saltwater license.
Children Under 16
Children under 16 can fish without a license in Florida — no permit needed. See our age requirements guide for more details on youth exemptions.
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Types of Fishing in the Keys
Backcountry Flats Fishing
- Target species: Bonefish, permit, tarpon (the “Grand Slam”)
- License needed: Florida saltwater license (or charter exemption)
- Where: Florida Bay, backcountry islands, shallow flats
- Season: Year-round (tarpon peaks March–July)
- Special rules: Bonefish and permit are catch-and-release only in Florida
Reef Fishing
- Target species: Yellowtail snapper, mutton snapper, grouper, hogfish
- License needed: Florida saltwater license
- Where: Patch reefs (inshore) and main reef tract (offshore)
- Season: Year-round, but check species-specific closures
- Special rules: Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary has designated no-take zones where fishing is prohibited
Offshore / Deep Sea Fishing
- Target species: Dolphin (mahi-mahi), wahoo, sailfish, black grouper, tuna
- License needed: Florida saltwater license (or charter exemption)
- Where: Gulf Stream, Humps, Marathon Hump, 20+ miles offshore
- Season: Peak dolphin season: March–July; sailfish: November–April
Bridge & Dock Fishing
- Target species: Snapper, tarpon, barracuda, snook, jack crevalle
- License needed: Free for FL residents (shoreline exemption); non-residents need saltwater license
- Popular bridges: Old Seven Mile Bridge, Bahia Honda Bridge, Long Key Bridge, Channel Five Bridge
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Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Rules
The entire Keys reef tract is protected under the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS). This adds regulations beyond standard Florida fishing rules:
No-Take Zones (Sanctuary Preservation Areas)
Fishing is completely prohibited in these areas. There are 24 SPAs throughout the Keys. Key no-take zones include:
- Western Sambo Ecological Reserve
- Looe Key (portions)
- Alligator Reef
- Various reef sections marked with buoys
Special Management Areas
- Research Only Areas — No entry permitted
- Wildlife Management Areas — Restrictions on motor use and anchoring
- Idle/No Wake zones — Near sensitive habitats
Tip: Download the Sanctuary Explorer app or pick up a free map at any Keys visitor center to identify no-take zones near your fishing location.
Keys-Specific Species Regulations
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonefish | 0 (C&R only) | — | Year-round | Catch-and-release only statewide |
| Permit | 0 (C&R only) | — | Year-round | Catch-and-release only statewide |
| Tarpon | Tag required | 75 inches (to keep) | Year-round | $50 tarpon tag for harvest; most anglers practice C&R |
| Yellowtail Snapper | 10 | 12 inches | Year-round | Most popular reef fish in the Keys |
| Mutton Snapper | 5 | 18 inches | Closed May–June | Spawning closure |
| Hogfish | 1 | 16 inches | Check current regs | Recent regulation changes |
| Grouper | Varies by species | 20–24 inches | Seasonal closures apply | Check FWC for current dates |
| Lobster (spiny) | 6/person | 3-inch carapace | Aug–March | Mini-season late July (separate dates) |
Charter Fishing in the Keys
The Keys have one of the highest concentrations of fishing guides in the US:
| Type | Duration | Cost Range | Passengers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backcountry flats | Half day (4 hrs) | $500–$700 | 1–2 anglers | Bonefish, tarpon, permit |
| Backcountry flats | Full day (8 hrs) | $700–$1,000 | 1–2 anglers | Grand Slam attempts |
| Reef / wreck | Half day | $600–$900 | 4–6 anglers | Snapper, grouper, hogfish |
| Offshore | Full day | $1,200–$2,500 | 4–6 anglers | Sailfish, mahi, tuna, wahoo |
| Party boat | Half day | $50–$80/person | 20–40 anglers | Reef fishing, budget option |
All licensed charters cover your fishing license — you don’t need to buy one separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing license for the Florida Keys? Yes — you need a Florida saltwater fishing license unless you’re fishing from a licensed charter boat, fishing from shore as a Florida resident, or are under 16. Non-residents always need a license for fishing from a private boat.
Is there a special Florida Keys fishing license? No. The standard Florida saltwater fishing license covers all Keys waters. There is no separate “Keys-only” license. The same license covers all Florida saltwater areas, including the Outer Banks-style surf fishing along the Atlantic coast. Check license costs for current pricing.
Do charter boats in the Keys include the fishing license? Yes. Licensed charter vessels in Florida cover all passengers under the vessel’s license. This includes deep-sea charters, reef trips, and backcountry flats guides. You do not need to purchase your own.
Can I keep bonefish in Florida? No. Bonefish are catch-and-release only in all Florida waters, including the Keys. The same applies to permit. Tarpon require a $50 tag if you intend to keep one (minimum 75 inches).
Where can’t I fish in the Florida Keys? The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary has 24 Sanctuary Preservation Areas (no-take zones) where fishing is prohibited. These zones protect coral reefs and nursery habitats. Check the Sanctuary Explorer app or printed maps for exact locations.
For Florida state fishing license details, visit our Florida state page. For offshore fishing rules, see our Deep Sea Fishing License Guide. Use our License Finder to go directly to Florida’s licensing portal, or compare non-resident license options if you’re visiting.
