CLS Online allows you to purchase licenses and order tags online.
Corporation Registration Requirements
All businesses applying for a Commercial Saltwater License must be registered with the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations prior to submitting an application. Business types include: Corporations, Trademarks, Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, Fictitious Names, General Partnerships and Limited Liability Partnerships.
Saltwater Products Licenses (SPL)
A saltwater product is defined as any marine fish, shellfish, clam, invertebrate, sponge, jellyfish, coral, crustacean, lobster, crab, shrimp, snail, marine plant, echinoderm, sea star, brittle star or urchin, etc.; except non-living shells and salted, cured, canned or smoked seafood. You must have the SPL to commercially harvest and sell saltwater products, and you may sell only to a licensed Florida wholesale dealer. An SPL may be issued in the name of an individual or a valid commercial vessel registration number issued in the name of the license applicant. Any vessel used to harvest commercial quantities of saltwater products must have a commercial vessel registration. This license is not transferable or refundable if the vessel is sold. Licenses are valid for a license year (July 1- June 30) and are not prorated.
Please reference the residency information for commercial saltwater licenses prior to applying.
Individual Saltwater Products License
The Individual SPL will cover the individual listed on the card for commercial fishing on any commercially registered vessel, the shore or structures affixed to the shore such as piers, docks, and bridges. It will also act as the card holders’ recreational saltwater license. A commercial harvester can hold only one Individual or Crew SPL at a time.
Crew Saltwater Products License
A Crew SPL will cover the individual listed on the license and anyone with them for commercial fishing on board any commercially registered vessel. The individual listed must be present on board the vessel for the license to be valid. The license will also cover the individual listed for commercial fishing from the shore or structures affixed to the shore such as piers, docks, and bridges. It will also act as the card holders’ recreational saltwater license. A commercial harvester can hold only one Individual or Crew SPL at a time.
Vessel Saltwater Products License
A Vessel SPL will be issued to a vessel that is registered for commercial use. The license will cover all individuals on board, up to what the United States Coast Guard deems safe, for commercial fishing. Persons on board the vessel will be covered under the license and the endorsements that are on the Vessel SPL. An applicant can hold more than one Vessel SPL. The vessel must be titled or leased to the applicant at the time of application. A Vessel SPL license is not transferable if the vessel is sold or damaged.
An SPL is required to do any of the following: