Fishing

FLORIDA SURFCASTING RULES & REGULATIONS

A license is required to surf cast in the state of Florida. Only licensed fishermen should be fishing or surfcasting during permitted hours. Please review the following regulations and guidelines:

SURFCASTING RULES

A Recreational Saltwater Shoreline Fishing License is required to surf cast from the shoreline, except for certain exempt individuals.

EXEMPTIONS

  • Florida residents 65 years or older
  • Children under 16 years of age
  • Resident disabled persons who meet specific qualifications
  • Active duty military personnel home on leave
  • Anglers fishing from a licensed pier
  • Residents receiving food stamps, temporary cash assistance, or Medicaid, with proper identification
  • Residents fishing with a pole or line without a reel in their home counties

Note: Individuals with a recreational saltwater fishing license or another license that includes saltwater fishing privileges do not need a shoreline fishing license.

FOR RESIDENTS

  • Florida residents fishing only from land or a structure attached to land can obtain a no-cost resident recreational saltwater shoreline fishing license.
  • This does not apply to fishing from a boat or an island reached by boat.

FOR NON-RESIDENTS

  • Non-residents must purchase a 3-day, 7-day, or annual saltwater fishing license:
    • $17 for 3 days
    • $30 for 7 days
    • $47 for 1 year
  • These licenses include administrative fees but may have additional handling fees.

LINK: Saltwater Shoreline Fishing Information | FWC


ADDITIONAL BEACH REGULATIONS

Overnight Beach Use

  • Sleeping on public beaches is prohibited from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
  • Penalty applies for violations.

Code Reference

Restricted Areas for Surface Diving, Surf Casting, and Fishing

  • Surface diving, surf casting, and scuba diving are prohibited within 300 feet of Fishermen’s Pier.
  • Spearfishing is prohibited on public beaches.
  • Fishing & Surfcasting Regulations:
    • Allowed at all times, except during the following hours:
      • Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
      • Saturday, Sunday & National Holidays: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
    • Fishing and surfcasting is prohibited near swimmers, scuba divers, snorkelers, and bathers.
    • Chumming is strictly prohibited.
    • The Town Manager may temporarily restrict fishing or surf casting for special events or emergencies.
    • Landing or exhibiting sharks, barracudas, or stingrays on public beaches is strictly prohibited.

For full regulations, visit the Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Ordinances:
Code Reference: https://library.municode.com/fl/lauderdale-by-the-sea/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH5BEWA

STAY INFORMED & COMPLIANT

For more details on Florida’s fishing regulations, visit:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)