Commercial Freshwater Licenses & Permits
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Commercial Freshwater Licenses
Commercial Freshwater Fishing
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Any resident or non-resident person who takes freshwater fish or frogs by any?lawful method?prescribed by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for purpose of sale is required to possess a Commercial Fishing License.
- Allows harvest of non-game species only.
- Holders of this license may sell to anyone, but may not buy fish for the purpose of sale.
- All boats engaged in commercial fishing shall have at least one commercial licensee on board.
- License required even for the use of trotlines of 25 hooks or less when fish are taken for purpose of sale.
- Senior citizens are not exempt from purchase of commercial fishing licenses.
- A valid Resident Commercial Freshwater Fishing License also allows recreational fishing.
- No Commercial Freshwater Fishing License or Commercial Freshwater Fish Dealer's License is required to take or sell live bait, other than freshwater fish or frogs.
Resident Commercial Freshwater Fishing License?(fish & frogs)..............$25.00
Nonresident Commercial Freshwater Fishing License?..........................$100.00
Additional license and/or permit may be required:
- If you use Haul Seine Gear, you will need to apply for a Haul Seine Gear Permit
- If you harvest American Eel, you will need to apply for an American Eel Permit
Resident Freshwater Fish Dealer's License
This license permits a resident to import, export, or sell (non-game) freshwater fish or frogs, including live bait. It is unlawful for licensed freshwater fish dealers or buyers to purchase freshwater fish or frogs from an unlicensed person.
Resident Freshwater Fish & Frog Dealer's License?...............................$40.00
Non-resident Freshwater Retail Dealer's License
This license permits a nonresident to buy (non-game) freshwater fish, including live bait, (from persons properly licensed to sell freshwater fish) and may sell these products directly to a consumer. This non-resident license allows retail sales only--additional licenses required for wholesale dealers.
Nonresident Freshwater Retail Fish or Frog Dealer's License?...............$100.00
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Non-resident Freshwater Wholesale Dealer's License
This license permits a nonresident to buy (non-game) freshwater fish for resale from persons properly licensed to harvest freshwater fish and may sell freshwater fish within the state.
Nonresident Freshwater Wholesale Fish Dealer's License?...................$500.00
Nonresident Freshwater Wholesale Buyer's License
This license permits a nonresident, who does not sell freshwater fish or frogs in Florida, to buy (non-game) freshwater fish or frogs from resident freshwater fish dealers for resale outside the state.
Nonresident Freshwater Wholesale Fish Buyer's License?......................$50.00
A?Conditional/Prohibited/Nonnative Species Permit?is also required in addition to the Commercial Freshwater Fish Dealer's License to import certain live freshwater fish.
- Importers of restricted freshwater fish if doing retail or wholesale.
- Importers of tropical freshwater fish if doing retail or wholesale.
- Dealers in non-native aquatic freshwater species (retail or wholesale).
Please note that exotic freshwater fish cannot be given or sold to people without proper permits.
View current?Commercial Freshwater Fishing Rules and Regulations
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Florida Residency Requirements
For the purpose of obtaining a Commercial Freshwater Fishing License, a resident is defined as a person who has continuously resided in Florida for six months prior to the application for a license.??Acceptable proofs of residency for the purpose of obtaining a Commercial Freshwater License:
- Valid Florida driver's license or identification card;
- Florida voter information card;
- Proof of Florida homestead exemption.
Corporation Registration Requirements
All businesses applying for a Commercial Freshwater License must be registered with the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations?prior to submitting an application.? Business types include: Corporations, Trademarks, Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, Fictitious Names, General Partnerships and Limited Liability Partnerships.