How to apply for Florida Military Gold Sportsman's License (Reduced-Fee Hunting & Fishing Package)

Who it's for

Florida residents who are active or retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces, the Reserves, the National Guard, or the Coast Guard can buy the Military Gold Sportsman's License for $18.50 a year — the same package that costs other residents $98.50. It bundles the hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing licenses along with the deer, wildlife management area, archery, muzzleloading gun, crossbow, turkey, Florida waterfowl, snook, and spiny lobster permits. Show a current military ID at a county tax collector's office, or verify online through Florida's license portal.

What you'll need

• Current military identification card (active or retired)
• Proof of Florida residency

Where to apply

Step by step

1. Confirm you are an active or retired member of the U.S. Armed Forces, the Reserves, the National Guard, or the Coast Guard — and that you are a Florida resident. Note: veterans who separated without retiring do not qualify for this license. Veterans with a 50%-or-higher VA disability rating should look into a separate free hunting and fishing license benefit instead.
2. Gather your current military identification card (active or retired) and proof of Florida residency before you start your application.
3. Apply online through Florida's license portal, or visit your county tax collector's office in person and present your military ID there.
4. Pay the $18.50 annual fee. If applying at the tax collector's office, small issuance fees may bring your total to about $20.
5. Save or print your Military Gold Sportsman's License once it is issued. It covers hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing, plus the deer, wildlife management area, archery, muzzleloading gun, crossbow, turkey, Florida waterfowl, snook, and spiny lobster permits.

What to expect: After submitting your application and payment, your Military Gold Sportsman's License will be issued through Florida's license portal or at the tax collector's counter. Processing times can vary, so contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or your county tax collector's office if you need a time estimate. Because this license renews annually, watch for your expiration date each year and repeat the process to keep your hunting and fishing privileges active.

Renewals

annual