Yes I use to catch bass, sun perch, and crappies in retention pond beside or villa. Until it got drained 4 time by ground collapse and twice drained for transfer tube repairs. All the catching size ones when down hole or birds feasted on them.

I’m well aware of that. My question was related to homeowners, not landlords, who have two homes and are residents of Florida, just not full time. The ones that actually pay more taxes (no homestead exemption), who could easily prove residency with a utility bill and a Villages ID (it has the link to the districtgov website on the back of the ID, the CDD’s are recognized as a valid form of government in Florida) and prove of age with a drivers license issued from another state, a passport, or birth certificate. It only seems right that these taxpaying property owners should be considered Florida residents. These folks, while not full time, actually are living here when they are staying at their home and potentially fishing in one of the bodies of water in their community.

The exemption for FL residents over 65 from fishing/hunting license fees is yet another incentive to become a FL resident. Here in CT I pay nearly $100 a year for the various, freshwater, trout, saltwater, hunting, deer tag, turkey licenses and tags. I am currently a CT resident and a veteran over 65.

On the issue of catch and release, according to published sources and depending on water temperature, species and a few other factors I recall that the mortality in such cases is on the order of 20% +/-. That being said, I typically FlyFish or use artificial lures with spinning gear which tends to minimize trauma to the catch, and by extension helps preserve the fishery for others.

As Izaak Walton observed in his work “The Complete Angler” first published in 1653, highlights FlyFishing and explores the meditative and contemplative aspects of angling as a means to connect to nature and find peace. The act of casting, presenting a fly, and waiting for a strike is in and of itself a mindful and engaging activity apart from the actual catch and if needed harvesting of the fish.

I look forward to the day I become a FL resident.

Residency is a legal term that has a specific meaning. Ownership is also a legal term that has specific meaning. The two are different things, and mean different things.

According to ChatGPT (ai): To establish legal residency in Florida, you need to physically reside in the state for at least 183 days per year, maintain a primary residence, register to vote, and declare your intent to make Florida your permanent home through a "Declaration of Domicile". Additionally, you need to sever ties with your previous state of residence and demonstrate a clear intent to establish Florida as your home.

I think they're referring to registering to vote in Florida, as opposed to somewhere else, with regards to the "register to vote" aspect of it. Floridians are not required by law to register to vote at all. If you don't meet the above criteria, then you aren't a legal resident, and therefore benefits of residency don't apply to you.

Your Villages ID is not a government issued ID, therefore it can not be used as proof of residency. A utility bill also does not prove residency it just shows proof of a billing address. If you have a drivers license or ID from another state it means Florida is not you primary residence. It’s really not that hard to understand. What you want and what the state requires are two different things.

The Villages ID is issued by the Community Development District office. So you’re saying the CDD’s aren’t a valid form of government?

I think he just meant that a Village ID only proves you are a resident of The Villages, but doesn't prove you are a FL resident. Many people own a vacation home here, making them TV residents, but their home in the other state is their primary place of residence.

Read the above a Florida drivers license is needed, which proves residency

I went online to buy a license, and it was $32. Anyone know where I can get the one for $17? I know it's not a lot of difference, but I am recently retired and watching every penny!

Buying online incurs additional fees. Use this link to find a license agent. Walmart on Wedgewood Lane and Tax Collector offices are two places to purchase.

How to order your license or permit for hunting, fishing, or other outdoor activity | FWC

Which license were you looking at? On this site the Freshwater license appears to be $17 while the freshwater/saltwater license is $32.50.

Note that for online purchases there are a couple extra fees but should be less than $5 additional.