Florida waives the fishing license on set days each year, including the Saturday following Thanksgiving, which is the next saltwater day left in 2026. FWC says “On these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for all recreational anglers, including both residents and non-residents” and “All other rules such as seasons, bag and size limits apply” (FWC, retrieved Oct. 6, 2026).
FWC lists: first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June, first Saturday in September, and the Saturday following Thanksgiving. The 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.”
FWC lists the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in April and the second consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June. The 2026-27 freshwater handbook (eRegulations, updated July 20, 2026) gives the dates: April 3 to 4, 2027 and June 12 to 13, 2027.
Seasons and size and bag limits still apply. FWC’s trap registrations for stone crab and blue crab are listed as “No permit exemptions, even if exempt from typical fishing license requirements,” so trap harvest on a free day is worth checking before you set a trap. See our stone crab season guide.
Free days sit on the same FWC exemption list as youth under 16 and residents 65 or older. See our kids guide and over 65 guide. For regular fees, see the Southwest Florida fishing license guide and our disabled veteran and military license guide.