After all, the state is mostly surrounded by water, offering a plethora of spots where saltwater anglers can cast a line. Florida's free fishing programs reward both saltwater and freshwater anglers. Anglers targeting the rivers, ponds, or Florida's highest-quality lakes for freshwater fishing can be rewarded by submitting their catches in the TrophyCatch and Big Catch programs. There are a few days each year that you don't need a fishing license in Florida, which makes it all totally free. Outside of those days, though, most people will need to get the appropriate Florida freshwater or saltwater fishing license.