Back in 1981, Georgia and Florida agreed to exempt senior citizens from purchasing a license to freshwater fish or hunt in either state. In early April, the FWC voted to end the reciprocal agreement.

Starting in July, senior citizens in Florida must buy a license to hunt or fish in fresh water in Georgia. Vice-versa applies for Georgia senior citizens in Florida.

Georgia officials announced last year that “economic realities have rendered the agreement no longer feasible for hunting” reported Henry Cabbage, spokesperson for the FWC. The agreement between the two states required Florida to follow suit, and after discussions back and forth between state agencies, the FWC voted to end the agreement.

Bear in mind, the agreement never exempted out-of-state seniors from either state from saltwater fishing license requirements. Senior citizens who are residents of Florida may continue to hunt and fish in Florida without purchasing a license, though the FWC encourages seniors to purchase licenses to support conservation.