How to apply for Florida Free Hunting & Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans (50%+ Rating)

Who it's for

Florida gives free hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing licenses to resident veterans who were honorably discharged and have a VA service-connected disability rating of 50% or more. The license is good for 5 years and is reissued on request every 5 years after that. Bring the VA letter showing the rating and proof of Florida residency to a county tax collector's office. Florida residents certified as totally and permanently disabled by the VA, workers' compensation, or Social Security qualify for free licenses under the same law even without the 50% veteran rating.

What you'll need

• VA certification or award letter showing a service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater
• Proof of honorable discharge (DD-214)
• Proof of Florida residency

Where to apply

Step by step

1. Confirm you meet the basic requirements: you are a Florida resident, were honorably discharged, and have a VA service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater.
2. Gather your required documents: your VA certification or award letter showing a service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater, your DD-214 (proof of honorable discharge), and proof of Florida residency.
3. Apply online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or visit your local county tax collector's office in person to submit your application and documents.
4. If applying in person, bring all three documents to the county tax collector's office and ask staff to process your free hunting and fishing license.
5. Ask about the separate free-license option if your rating is below 50% — any Florida resident certified as totally and permanently disabled by the VA, workers' compensation, or Social Security may also qualify under the same law.

What to expect: Once approved, you will receive a free license covering hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing that is valid for 5 years. Processing times vary, so ask the county tax collector's office for an estimate if timing is important to you. When your license nears its expiration, simply request a reissue — the license is renewed every 5 years on request. Have your supporting documents available at renewal time in case they are needed again.

Renewals

reissued every 5 years on request