No. A child under 16 does not need a Florida fishing license, saltwater or freshwater, and does not need a snook or spiny lobster permit. FWC lists “Youth under 16 years of age” as exempt from recreational licenses and those permits (FWC, retrieved Oct. 6, 2026).
FWC offers a Resident Youth Saltwater Fishing License and a Resident Youth Freshwater Fishing License at $17.00 each. FWC says they are “Optional for youth ages 8 to 15 and valid until 17th birthday.” A Resident Youth Gold Sportsman’s License is $100.00 and is “available with completion of hunter education requirements.”
The exemption ends at 16. FWC’s reef fish designation is “Required for anglers 16 and older,” the shore-based shark fishing permit is “required for anglers 16 and older,” and trap registrations for blue crab and stone crab apply to “recreational harvesters age 16 or older.” The tarpon tag is required “when landing tarpon. No exemptions.”
Free license days waive the requirement for everyone, see our free fishing days guide. Seniors have their own exemption, covered in our over 65 guide.
Fees for adults are in the Southwest Florida fishing license guide and our disabled veteran and military license guide.