Florida's new shoreline fishing license now on sale

Florida's new shoreline fishing license requirement takes effect August the 1st but you can start buying the new license this week. The state is now requiring that resident fishermen who fish for saltwater species from shore or a structure affixed to shore must have either the new shoreline fishing license or a regular saltwater fishing license. Nonresident anglers need a regular nonresident saltwater fishing license to fish from shore or from a vessel. By creating the shoreline fishing license, the Florida Legislature arranged for Florida anglers to be exempt from a more expensive federal angler registration requirement that will take effect in 2011. The shoreline requirement allows exemptions for resident anglers who fish in their home county, using live or natural bait, and a cane pole. Other exemptions apply for anglers who qualify for temporary cash assistance, food stamps or Medicaid. Also, resident anglers who are age 65 or older and children under age 16 may fish without a license. People fishing from licensed fishing piers don’t need the license because the piers have licenses that cover everyone who fishes from them.