Although Biscayne National Park is part of a federal agency, fishing and other harvesting activities are largely governed by state law. This somewhat unusual situation was written directly into the park's enabling legislation, the law that created the park and its predecessor, Biscayne National Monument.

The following information is a summary of some of the most commonly used fishing and harvesting information for the park. Anglers are encouraged to visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's website to become intimately familiar with the often-complex regulations. Unanswered questions can be directed to the park's Division of Law Enforcement at 305-230-1144, x3074.

NPS Photo by Steve Saul

Participants in Biscayne's Fisheries Awareness Class come away with a better understanding of their favorite pastime.

Fisheries Awareness Class

Biscayne National Park now offers a FREE educational fishing clinic! Come learn more about angling on Biscayne's transparent, aquamarine waters, refresh your fish identification skills, and learn more about the fishing regulations and why they are important. Hear from long-time local fishing guides how to choose and maintain your tackle and gear, and pick up a few new fishing techniques. To learn more, visit our Fisheries Awareness Program page.

Recreational Saltwater Fishing License

A valid Florida State Recreational Saltwater Fishing License is required to fish in Biscayne National Park. Visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's licensing information page to learn about costs and places to obtain a license.

You do not need a license if you are:

• Any child under 16 years of age.
• Any resident who is a member of the United States Armed Forces and not stationed in this state, when home on leave for 30 days or less, upon submission of orders.
• Any person fishing who has been accepted as a client for developmental disabilities services by the Children and Family Services, provided the department furnishes proof thereof.
• Any resident fishing in saltwater from land or from a structure fixed to the land.
• Any person fishing from a for-hire vessel (guide, charter, party boat) that has a valid vessel license.
• Any person fishing from a vessel, the operator of which has a valid vessel license issued in the name of the operator of the vessel.
• Any person who holds a valid saltwater products license (SPL).
• Any person fishing for recreational purposes from a pier that has been issued a valid pier saltwater fishing license.
• Any resident fishing for a saltwater species in fresh water from land or from a structure fixed to land.
• Any resident fishing for mullet in fresh water who has a valid Florida freshwater fishing license.
• Any resident 65 years of age or older who has in her or his possession proof of age and residency. A no-cost license under this paragraph may be obtained from any tax collector's office upon proof of age and residency and must be in the possession of the resident during hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing activities.
• Any employee of the commission who takes freshwater fish, saltwater fish, or game as part of employment with the commission, or any other person authorized by commission permit to take freshwater fish, saltwater fish, or game for scientific or educational purposes.

Summary of Fishing Regulations by Species

Fisheries Awareness Class Information

Spearing

Lobster

Biscayne Bay-Card Sound Lobster Sanctuary

2009 Lobstering Brochure - PDF

2009 Informacion Sobre Caza de Langosta - PDF

Lobster Fun Facts

Blue Crab

Stone Crab

Shrimp

The collection of tropical/ornamental aquarium species is prohibited in Biscayne National Park.

The harvest of the giant land crab (Cardisoma guanhumi) is prohibited in Biscayne National Park.