A valid fishing license is required when freshwater fishing, with the following exceptions:

• Any child under 16 years of age.
• Any resident 65 years of age or older - must be in possession of a Senior (65+) license or FL Driver License when fishing.
• Any person fishing in their county of residence on their homestead or the homestead of their spouse or minor child.
• Any minor child fishing on the homestead of their parent.
• Any resident who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, who is not stationed in this state, while home on leave for 30 days or less, upon submission of orders. This does not include family members.
• Any resident fishing with live or natural bait, using poles or lines which are not equipped with a fishing line retrieval mechanism, and fishing for noncommercial purposes in the county of their residence, except on legally established fish management areas.
• Any person fishing in a fish pond of 20 acres or less which is located entirely within the private property of the fish pond owner. A fish pond is defined as a body of water that does not occur naturally and that has been constructed and is maintained primarily for the purpose of fishing.
• Any person fishing in a private pond which is licensed in accordance with Florida Statute 372.5705. A private pond is a man-made pond constructed for the primary purpose of fishing, entirely within the property lines of the owner and with no surface water connection to public waters.
• Any person who has been accepted by the Florida Department of Health as a client for developmental services, with proof of acceptance.
• Georgia residents 65 years of age or older who have in their possession a Georgia Honorary Combination Hunting and Fishing License and proof of their age.
• Members of the Seminole Tribe and the Miccosukee Tribe taking fish on their respective reservations for the purpose of food for the tribe members.
• Members of the Miccosukee Tribe taking fish for subsistence purposes within their reservation and the area leased by the Miccosukee Tribe.
• Anyone fishing in the St. Marys River or Lake Seminole (but not including tributary creeks in Florida) who has a valid Georgia fishing license.

Freshwater Fishing Rules and Regulations may be obtained by accessing the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's website.