You are not required to obtain a saltwater fishing license if:

• You are a child under 16 years of age
• You are a Florida resident, age 65 or older, possessing proof of age and residency (Florida DL) or a complimentary senior citizen resident hunting/fishing certificate obtained from the Tax Collector's Office
• You are a Florida resident who has been certified as totally and permanently disabled and you possess a Florida resident disabled person hunting and fishing certificate
• You are a resident who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, you are not stationed in this state and you are home on leave for 30 days or less, upon submission of orders
• You are a resident who is fishing with live or natural bait, using poles or lines that are not equipped with a fishing-line-retrieval mechanism, and you are fishing for noncommercial purposes in your home county. You must have a valid fishing license to fish by any method in a fish management area.
• You have been accepted as a client for developmental services by the Department of Children and Family Services; the department must furnish proof to such clients
• You fish from a for-hire vessel (guide, charter, party boat, etc.) in which a license has been issued in the name of the vessel
• You fish from a vessel in which the operator (captain) of the vessel has been issued a license in their name
• You fish from a recreational vessel in which a license has been issued in the name of the vessel
• You fish for recreational purposes from a pier with a valid saltwater pier fishing license
• You have a valid saltwater products license
• You fish for mullet in freshwater and you have a valid freshwater fishing license
• You are a resident who is saltwater fishing from land or a structure fixed to the land who has been determined eligible for the Food Stamp, Temporary Cash Assistance or Medicaid program by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Proof of identification and a benefit issuance or program identification card issued by DCFS or the Agency for Health Care Administration must be on the person when fishing
• Any employee of or any other individual authorized by the commission to take saltwater fish for scientific and/or educational purposes