Alabama vs Florida fishing license
For a visitor fishing fresh water for 3 days, Florida is $21.05 cheaper than Alabama. For a visitor's annual fresh-water license, Florida is $21.20 cheaper than Alabama. You need a license from age 16 in Alabama and in Florida.
- Free
- Official sources first
- Checked monthly
- Independent, not a state website
What visitors pay
Cheapest way for an adult non-resident to cover the trip, including required stamps, worked out from each state's price list. The cheaper state is marked.
| Trip | Alabama | Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh water | ||
| 1 day | $38.05 | $17 |
| 3 days | $38.05 | $17 |
| 7 days | $38.05 | $30 |
| 1 year | $68.20 | $47 |
| Salt water | ||
| 1 day | $36.65 | $17 |
| 3 days | $36.65 | $17 |
| 7 days | $36.65 | $30 |
| 1 year | $66.80 | $47 |
| Residents, annual | ||
| Fresh water | $17.45 | $17 |
| Salt water | $30.90 | $17 |
| Prices for | 2026-27 | 2026 |
Rules side by side
| Alabama | Florida | |
|---|---|---|
| License needed from age | 16 | 16 |
| Senior residents | Free (fresh + salt): Alabama residents 65 and over (salt water still needs the free Saltwater Angler Registry, and Gulf reef fish need the endorsement) Resident lifetime freshwater fishing license (age 50 and over): $225.50 (ages 50+) Resident lifetime saltwater fishing license (age 50 and over): $375.55 (ages 50+) Resident lifetime freshwater and saltwater fishing license (age 50 and over): $600.40 (ages 50+) | Free (fresh + salt): Florida residents aged 65 or over |
| Senior visitors | Normal visitor prices | Normal visitor prices |
| Required stamps | Saltwater Angler Registry (free): Free | None |
| Next free fishing day | Not yet announced | Sat, Nov 28, 2026 Apr 3–4, 2027 Not yet announced |
| On a charter | Usually not: the boat's license covers its passengers | It depends on the boat and where you fish |
| License on your phone | Accepted | – |
| Annual licenses last | To 08-31 | 12 months from purchase |
| Last checked | Nov 4, 2026 | Nov 4, 2026 |
Full details and sources: Alabama fishing license · Florida fishing license
Shared waters
Neither state lists a special agreement for waters shared with the other. Where you fish decides which license you need.
Limits for fish found in both states
Guide only. Statewide rules; many waters have their own. Check each state's official rules before you keep a fish.
| Fish | Alabama | Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass |
Black bass |
Black bass |
| Smallmouth bass |
Black bass |
Black bass |
| Crappie |
9" minimum (10" on Weiss Reservoir); bag 30 |
Black crappie Panfish |
| Striped bass |
Striped bass and hybrid striped bass |
Striped, white and sunshine bass |
| Red drum (redfish) |
Red drum |
Red drum |
| Spotted seatrout |
15" to 22" total length; 1 of the 6 may be over 22"; bag 6 |
15" to 19"; 1 over 19" per boat (or per person from shore), within the bag; bag 3 (Panhandle; 4 more) |
| Flounder |
14" total length; bag 5 |
14" minimum; bag 5 |
| Cobia |
36" fork length; bag 1 |
36" fork length minimum; bag 1 |
Questions
Is a Alabama fishing license valid in Florida?
No. Each state needs its own license. There's no general agreement between the two states.
Which is cheaper for visitors, Alabama or Florida?
1 day (fresh water): Alabama $38.05, Florida $17. 1 year (fresh water): Alabama $68.20, Florida $47.
At what age do you need a fishing license in Alabama and Florida?
You need a license from age 16 in Alabama and in Florida.