License-free Saltwater fishing day this weekend

Story Submitted by
Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission

It’s Labor Day weekend and a great time to spend a day out enjoying the water.
On Saturday, Sept. 4, you can go saltwater fishing without a license.
License-free fishing days provide an excellent opportunity for those who don't yet have a fishing license to experience fishing, take youth fishing, or for avid anglers to introduce a friend to fishing without having to purchase a license. On these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for all recreational anglers, including both residents and non-residents.
It’s one of eight days of license-free fishing in 2021 offered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
“License-free fishing days provide an excellent opportunity for those who don’t have a fishing license to experience fishing, take youth fishing, or for avid anglers to introduce a friend to fishing without having to purchase a license,” FWC said on its website.
License-free fishing days are a great way for Florida residents and visitors to get out on the water and find out why Florida is known as the Fishing Capital of the World. So dig into your garage for that idle rod and reel, pick up some bait at your local tackle shop and get out there to enjoy the outdoors.
The saltwater waiver applies to any recreational harvest requiring a saltwater fishing license (e.g., crabbing, lobstering, scalloping, etc.) as well as fishing from shore or a boat. A snook or spiny lobster permit are also not required on these days.
All bag limits, closed areas and size restrictions still apply.
2021 License-free fishing days in Florida

• Saltwater
• June 5 and 6, 2021. (First consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June.)
• Sept. 4, 2021. (First Saturday in September.)
• Nov. 27, 2021. (Saturday following Thanksgiving.)

• Freshwater •
• April 3 and 4, 2021. (First consecutive Saturday and Sunday in April.)
• June 12 and 13, 2021. (Second consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June.)

To learn more, visit https://myfwc.com/license/recreational/do-i-need-one/free-fishing/. For fishing regulations and tips, https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/ and to renew or purchase a fishing license, visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.