Whether you’re heading into one of the many wildlife management areas throughout Hendry County and the surrounding region for a hunting trip or spending the day enjoying Florida’s beautiful lakes and waterways, the Hendry County Tax Collector’s Office is here to help you get properly licensed and ready for the outdoors. Our office offers convenient hunting and freshwater and saltwater fishing license services for residents and visitors, making it easy to enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor traditions that make Southwest Florida a destination for hunters and anglers alike. Whether you’re casting a line on Lake Okeechobee, exploring local waterways, or preparing for your next hunting adventure, our office provides the licenses and permits you need to enjoy the outdoors legally and confidently.
What You’ll Need
A quick checklist to make your fishing‑license visit fast and easy:
Full name, date of birth, and contact details
For active‑duty personnel stationed in Florida
Fees vary by license type; replacements cost $2 per privilege
Florida Driver License or Florida ID Card
Required if applying for lifetime, 5‑year, vessel, pier, or tarpon tag licenses
If you don’t have a Florida ID, you may bring one of the following:
- Florida Voter Registration Card
- Declaration of Domicile
- Florida Homestead Exemption
- Florida Student ID (if under 18)
- The Oath of Residency signed by the applicant when privileges are issued does not preclude a law enforcement officer from requesting residency credentials be evidenced again. Failure to do so may result in criminal prosecutions.
Step-by-Step Process
Confirm Your Eligibility
Determine whether you need a freshwater, saltwater, or specialty license and verify residency requirements using approved Florida residency documents.
Gather Required Documents
Bring valid Florida residency proof or alternate documentation, and any military orders if applying under military residency rules.
Choose Your License Type
Select from single-year, 5‑year, lifetime, vessel, pier, or specialty permits such as snook, crawfish, lobster, or tarpon tags.
Visit the Tax Collector’s Office
Apply in person at your local Tax Collector office, where staff will verify your documents and process your license request.
Pay the Required Fees
Submit payment for the license type you selected; replacement licenses cost $2 per privilege except lifetime licenses, which cost $10 to replace.
Receive Your License
Your fishing license is issued immediately, allowing you to fish legally in Florida’s freshwater and saltwater locations.
Fees & Payments
A complete overview of fishing‑license costs and how to pay for them.
Freshwater Fishing License Fees
Cost
Freshwater Fishing License Fees
Cost
Resident 12‑Month
$17.00
Resident 5‑Year
$79.00
Non‑Resident 12‑Month
$47.00
Non‑Resident 3‑Day
$17.00
Non‑Resident 7‑Day
$30.00
Replacement License
$2.00
Lifetime Freshwater Licenses
Cost
Lifetime Freshwater Licenses
Cost
0–4 Years Old
$126.50
5–12 Years Old
$226.50
13+ Years Old
$301.50
Freshwater Specialty Licenses
Cost
Freshwater Specialty Licenses
Cost
Small Vessel (≤4 customers)
$201.50
Medium Vessel (5–10 customers)
$401.50
Large Vessel (11+ customers)
$801.50
5‑Year Card Change
$4.00
Saltwater Fishing License Fees
Cost
Saltwater Fishing License Fees
Cost
Resident 12‑Month
$17.00
Resident 5‑Year
$79.00
Snook Permit
$10.00
Snook Permit 5‑Year
$50.00
Crawfish Permit
$2.00
Crawfish Permit 5‑Year
$10.00
Lobster Permit
$5.00
Lobster Permit 5‑Year
$25.00
Tarpon Tag
$51.50
Non‑Resident 3‑Day
$17.00
Non‑Resident 7‑Day
$30.00
Replacement License
$2.00
Lifetime Saltwater Licenses
Cost
Lifetime Saltwater Licenses
Cost
0–4 Years
$126.50
5–12 Years
$226.50
13+ Years
$301.50
Saltwater Specialty Licenses
Cost
Saltwater Specialty Licenses
Cost
Small Vessel (≤4 customers)
$201.50
Medium Vessel (5–10 customers)
$401.50
Large Vessel (11+ customers)
$801.50
5‑Year Card Change
$4.00
Combination Licenses
Cost
Combination Licenses
Cost
Resident Gold Sportsman
$100.00
Resident Sportsman (Freshwater Only)
$80.50
Military Gold Sportsman
$20.00
Resident Freshwater/Saltwater/Hunting Combo
$48.00
Resident Freshwater/Saltwater Combo
$32.50
Hunting License Fees
Cost
Hunting License Fees
Cost
Dove Club
$150.00
Resident Alligator Trapping
$272.00
Non-Resident Alligator Trapping
$1,022.00
Alligator Cites Tags (2)
$62.00
Alligator Trapping Agent
$52.00
5 Year Card Change
$4.00
Resident, 12 Month
$17.00
Resident, 5 Year
$79.00
Resident Trapping
$26.50
Resident Management Area Permit
$26.50
Resident Waterfowl Permit
$5.00
Resident Waterfowl Permit, 5 Year
$25.00
Resident Turkey Permit
$10.00
Resident Turkey Permit, 5 Year
$50.00
Resident Deer Permit
$5.00
Resident Archery Permit
$5.00
Resident Muzzle Loading Permit
$5.00
Non Resident, 10 Day
$46.50
Non Resident, Annual
$151.50
Non Resident Turkey Permit
$125.00
Replacement License
$2.00
Resident Gold Sportsman
$100.00
Military Gold Sportsman
$20.00
Resident Freshwater/Saltwater/Hunting Combo
$48.00
4 years old or younger
$401.50
5 to 12 years old
$701.50
13 years old or older
$1,001.50
4 years old or younger
$201.50
5 to 12 years old
$351.50
13 years old or older
$501.50
Payment Options
- Pay Online
Redirects to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Online handling fees: $2.25 or $1.75 + 2.5% of total sale. - Pay In‑Office
Standard fees apply. Purchases from subagents (e.g., bait shops) include a $0.50 surcharge. - All sales are final — License and permit fees are non‑refundable.
FAQs
The Tax Collector serves as an official agent for the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, providing freshwater, saltwater, vessel, lifetime, and 5‑year licenses.
You can purchase licenses at any Tax Collector’s office, or from approved retailers such as Walmart, sporting goods stores, and bait & tackle shops.
A lost or destroyed license can be replaced for $2.00 per privilege. Resident Lifetime licenses have a $10.00 replacement fee.
Primary proof includes a Florida Driver License or Florida ID Card.
Alternate proof (if no FL ID) includes:
- Florida Voter Registration Card
- Declaration of Domicile
- Florida Homestead Exemption
- Florida Student ID (under age 18)
- Military orders showing Florida stationing
No. Individuals who have filed domicile with the Clerk of Court are not considered residents for licensing purposes. All aliens are classified as non‑residents.
The following licenses are exclusively issued in‑office:
- Lifetime licenses for minors (ages 0–18)
- All 5‑year licenses
- Saltwater vessel fishing licenses
- Saltwater pier licenses
- Tarpon tags
Florida residents 16 and older with a valid Florida ID may apply online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Minors must apply through the Tax Collector.
Ready to Get Started?
Our team is here to help make your visit as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Visit one of our convenient Hendry County Tax Collector locations in LaBelle or Clewiston to complete your transaction, or contact us if you have questions about what to bring.
