Free fishing days provide an excellent opportunity for parents who don't yet have licenses to take youth fishing, or 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 (residents and non-residents).All other rules (e.g., seasons, bag and size limits) apply.
Free freshwater days for 2012

  • Saturday, April 7.
  • Saturday, June 9

The free freshwater days are set in rule for the first Saturday in April and the second Saturday in June each year.
Free saltwater days for 2012

  • Saturday, June 2
  • Saturday, September 1

An Executive Order will be issued each year to designate the free saltwater fishing days.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.The June free fishing days were choosen because they coincide with the first and last days of National Fishing and Boating Week which is set as the first to second Saturday in June each year.

Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission

Fishing in Florida