The Resident Persons with Disabilities Hunting and Fishing License is a no-cost license that is not a disability accommodation, but an economic benefit for the segment of Florida's disabled community that may not be able to afford the license privileges that are offered in this license. The license may be valid for 2 years or 5 years, depending on the qualifying documentation used when applying.
What does the license include?
The Resident Persons with Disabilities License includes Saltwater Fishing, Freshwater Fishing, and Hunting licenses; and Deer, Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Turkey, Florida Waterfowl, Snook, and Lobster permits.
Effective April 1, 2015, recreational anglers fishing from a private vessel in or on state waters of the Gulf of Mexico (excluding Monroe County) will be required to sign up for the Gulf Reef Fish Survey if they intend to harvest, attempt to harvest, or possess the following species: red and vermillion snapper, gag, black, and red grouper, gray triggerfish, amberjack, banded rudderfish, or almaco jack. Valid 12 months from the specified date, and must be renewed annually. No exemptions.
This license does not include:
- Use of a crossbow during the Archery Season without a Person's with Disabilities Crossbow Permit.
- Taking antlerless deer outside of the established antlerless deer seasons without an Antlerless Deer Permit.
- Waterfowl hunting without a Federal Duck Stamp or Migratory Bird Permit.
- Possession of Tarpon without a Tarpon Tag.
- Participation in the Public Statewide Alligator Hunt.
- Participation in public lands Limited Entry/Quota hunts that do not allow for exemptions and a permit Is required, as noted on the Limited Entry Hunts informational pages.
Requirements/How to Qualify:
- Applicant must be a Florida resident and provide a valid Florida Driver License or ID to apply online. If the applicant does not have a Florida Driver License or ID card, he or she can provide proof of residency documentation at a local tax collector's office.
- Persons born on or after June 1, 1975 must comply with Florida Hunter Safety License Requirements and may not be issued a license to hunt with the use of a firearm, gun (including a muzzleloading gun),bow or crossbow without first having successfully completed a hunter safety course. A valid hunter safety certification is needed or use of the Hunter Safety Mentoring Exemption.
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Applicant must meet one of the following eligibility criteria
as identified in 379.353, F. S. by being:
- Two-year license term for applicants who are certified or determined to be disabled by the United States Social Security Administration (SSA), with documentation dated within the last 12 months and indicating disability benefits are currently being received. The annual SSA benefits letter is acceptable, though the 1099 Form is not accepted. Applicants can obtain their benefit verification letters by printing them from the SSA portal at SSA.gov/myaccount.
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Five-year license term for applicants who are certified
or determined to be totally and permanently disabled:
- By the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or its predecessor, OR
- By any branch of the United States Armed Forces, OR
- By holding a valid, service-connected permanent and total disability identification card issued under the provisions of s. 295.17, OR
- For purposes of Florida workers' compensation under chapter 440 F.S., as verified by an order of a judge of compensation claims, OR
- For purposes of Florida workers' compensation under chapter 440 F.S., as verified by written confirmation by the insurance carrier providing workers' compensation benefits, OR
- By the Railroad Retirement Board
How to Apply:
Applicants may apply for this license online or at a local tax collector's office. Proof of Florida residency and qualifying disability documentation is required.
1. Applying Online:
- Login to your customer account at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com
- Click on "Apply for Disability License"
- Complete the application by following the steps provided on the screen and uploading the qualifying documentation (or later submitting the documents to the FWC via mail or fax
- Certify that all of the information provided is correct, and click "Submit Application"
- FWC Staff will review the information provided and respond within 10 business days
- Renewal applications may be submitted to FWC up to 30 days prior to expiration of the current license
2. Applying at a local Tax Collector's Office (by appointment):
- Provide the Tax Collector clerk with proof of residency and qualifying disability documents
Exemptions:
- Ages 65 or Older - If you are a Florida resident age 65 or older who has in your possession proof of age and residency (Florida Driver's License or ID), you are not required to have fishing or hunting licenses
- Ages 15 and under - Children under the age of 16 are not required to possess fishing or hunting licenses