Okay, you’re almost ready to hit the water, but before you cast a line in the Dry Tortugas, you need to make sure you have the right permits and licenses. The waters around the Dry Tortugas are part of a National Park and also governed by state and federal fishing rules. This means there are specific permissions required.
Think of it like needing a driver’s license to drive a car. You can’t just get behind the wheel without one. For fishing in the Dry Tortugas, you need the right fishing permission slips. Without them, you could face big fines.
The good news? When you book a Dry Tortugas charter out of Key West, especially a reputable one, they usually take care of most of the permits and licenses required to cover everyone fishing on board. However, it’s still smart to understand what’s needed and confirm with your captain ahead of time.
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Florida Fishing License
Anyone fishing in Florida waters needs a fishing license. For recreational fishing, you typically need:
- A Florida Saltwater Fishing License: This covers most saltwater fishing across the state.
- A Spiny Lobster Permit: Required if you’re targeting lobster.
How a Charter Handles This: Most charter fishing vessels hold a license that extends to everyone fishing onboard. So, if you’re fishing aboard a licensed charter, you likely don’t need to buy your own individual license. Just be sure to confirm with your charter company that this coverage is included in the trip.
If you’re still deciding on a charter, this is one of the questions covered in our post on planning your Dry Tortugas fishing trip.
Dry Tortugas National Park Fishing Permit
Fishing within the boundaries of Dry Tortugas National Park requires a specific park fishing permit. This is separate from the Florida fishing license.
How It Works: For recreational fishing from a private boat or licensed charter, the boat owner or captain must hold a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) issued by the National Park Service.
For Charter Guests: As a guest aboard a licensed charter boat, you’re covered under their CUA. That means you do not need to get your own permit to fish in Dry Tortugas National Park waters. The captain’s permit covers the group, as long as fishing takes place in designated zones.
These permits also indicate that the charter is aware of park-specific requirements, such as zoning rules, safety protocols, and reporting standards. If you’re unsure what those zones are, our Dry Tortugas fishing regulations guide provides a clear overview.
Special Regulations and Zone Closures
Beyond permits, fishing in the Dry Tortugas means complying with rules from several agencies:
- Dry Tortugas National Park: Certain zones, like the Research Natural Area (RNA), are no-take zones—no fishing or collecting of any marine life is allowed.
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC): Sets rules for size limits, bag limits, and seasonal closures for many species.
- NOAA Fisheries (Federal Regulations): Applies to some species in waters beyond state lines.
If this feels overwhelming, don’t worry—your charter captain knows the details. Reputable captains are trained in how to follow these rules and keep you fishing legally. This is why booking through a trusted Dry Tortugas charter operator makes all the difference.
What You Need to Do
While most permits and licenses are handled by the charter company, there are still a few things you should do as a responsible angler:
- Confirm Coverage: Ask your captain or charter company if their trip includes the necessary licenses and park authorizations. Most do, but it’s worth double-checking.
- Review Basic Regulations: You don’t need to memorize everything, but having a basic understanding of fishing zones and species limits helps. It shows respect for the ecosystem and your crew. A good place to start is the Dry Tortugas National Park regulations.
- Listen to Your Captain and Crew: Your guides are there to help you have a great trip. Follow their instructions about where to fish and what you can keep.
If you’re wondering what kind of fish you might encounter and when, check out our guide to common species caught in the Dry Tortugas so you know what to expect.
Obtaining the necessary permits for a Dry Tortugas fishing trip is mostly handled for you when you book with a professional charter out of Key West. That means you can focus on packing your essential gear and supplies instead of stressing about red tape.
Want to understand the full scope of what it takes to plan a Dry Tortugas trip—from permits to trip lengths and charter types? Head to our Dry Tortugas Fishing Charter Guide for the complete overview.
