Wedgefield sits in a part of Florida where water and open land are never far from daily life, so questions about fishing and hunting licenses come up often. This guide covers who needs a license, where to get one, what a resident freshwater license costs, and which days Florida sets aside for fishing without a license. Everything here comes from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Orange County sources. For more ideas about spending time outdoors, see the things to do page.
Who needs a fishing license
The short answer from the state is simple. The FWC puts it this way: "If you cast a line or catch and release, you need a fishing license." That means a license is required even when the plan is to put every fish back in the water. Releasing a catch does not remove the requirement. You can read the agency's own explanation on its do I need a license page.
This point catches many people off guard. Some assume a license only matters if a fish goes home in a cooler. The state's wording is clear that casting a line is enough to trigger the requirement, so anyone planning an afternoon at the water should sort out a license first.
What a resident freshwater license costs
For Florida residents, the FWC lists a Resident Annual freshwater fishing license at $17.00. The figure appears on the agency's freshwater fishing license page. This guide only covers that one price, so check the FWC page for any other license types before you buy.
Who needs a hunting license, and the safety course
Hunting comes with an extra step for some people. The FWC says hunters born on or after June 1, 1975, must pass a hunter safety course before buying a Florida hunting license. In practice, that means the course comes first and the license comes second for anyone in that group.
If you were born on or after that date, plan ahead. The course has to be finished before the purchase, so it is not something to leave for the day before a trip. Full details are on the FWC hunting page.
Where to get a license
There are two options in the facts gathered for this guide.
Order online
Florida fishing and hunting licenses can be ordered online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. The FWC lists this on its how to order page. Ordering online is the option to look at first if you would rather not make a trip.
Visit the Orange County Tax Collector
The Orange County Tax Collector also handles licenses. County government describes its services as including "state IDs, tag and title, and hunting and fishing licenses, among other services." That means a visit for a license can sit alongside other errands handled by the same office. The county announcement is on the Orange County newsroom.
The Tax Collector's website, octaxcol.com, lists a help line at (407) 434-0312. A call is a reasonable way to ask about a visit before heading out.
License-free fishing days
Florida sets aside a few days each year when a license is not required. Two are covered here, one for freshwater and one for saltwater. Both come from the FWC's free fishing days page.
- Freshwater: the list of license-free freshwater days includes the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in April.
- Saltwater: the Saturday following Thanksgiving is a license-free saltwater fishing day.
The exact calendar dates are not spelled out in the source, so check the calendar for the year you plan to fish. The freshwater list on the FWC page includes more than this one weekend, so the April weekend is not the only option.
These days only change the license requirement. They do not replace the need to look up the rules that apply where you plan to fish.
A simple checklist
- Decide whether you plan to fish, hunt, or both.
- If you plan to fish, remember that even catch and release requires a license, unless it is one of the license-free days.
- If you plan to hunt and were born on or after June 1, 1975, complete a hunter safety course first.
- Order at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, or ask the Orange County Tax Collector about getting a license in person.
- Check the FWC pages linked above for the latest details before you go.
Why it is worth getting right
A license is a small step compared with a day outdoors, and the rules are easy to follow once you know them. The main points are that casting a line is enough to require a license, that the hunter safety course comes before a hunting license for those born on or after June 1, 1975, and that licenses can be ordered online or through the county Tax Collector. Free fishing days are a useful way to try the sport before committing to a purchase, though they only cover the days the FWC names.
Who to contact
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: licensing and hunter safety course information at myfwc.com.
- Online orders: GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
- Orange County Tax Collector: help line at (407) 434-0312, or visit octaxcol.com.
Sources
Compiled from the official sources below.