Do you have a Florida Recreational Saltwater Fishing License? Have you checked the expiration date lately? If not, you should. It could save you from going to jail and paying a fine!
Go to http://www.myfwc.com and click on the link up top to purchase a license. This will take you to the secure portion of the Web site where you will input some information and make a few clicks and in less than five minutes you will have a temporary authorization number on the other end. Print out the page and take it with you when you go fishing. You can give this number to any of the Marine Patrol Officers who may be checking for such things on the water. Your paper license will arrive in the mail in about five days.
Not everyone needs a license, however! If you’re under 16 or over 65 you get to fish for free. Also, some anglers with certain disabilities and even some members of the Armed Forces can fish without a Florida license. If you aren’t sure if you qualify for these exemptions, go to http://www.myfwc.com/ for more information.
If you want to avoid ever having to remember if you renewed your license or not – get yourself a Lifetime License for about $300. This includes the all important snook and crawfish (lobster) stamps. And, if you want to give your kids the gift that keeps on giving, you can purchase a Lifetime License for them starting at around $200.
Which ever type of license you decide to get, just remember to get one so you can enjoy the fabulous Keys Lifestyle with no worries. And while you are here, remember...if you or someone you know wants to buy, build, sell or inspect real estate in the Florida Keys, go to www.buyinthekeys.com.
