Time's up. Florida's new shoreline fishing license requirement takes effect Aug. 1, so resident anglers who fish for saltwater species from shore or a structure affixed to shore must have a $9 shoreline fishing license or a $17 regular saltwater fishing license.

Nonresident anglers need a regular nonresident saltwater fishing license to fish from shore or from a vessel. Short-term and annual nonresident fishing licenses cost between $17 and $47. Additional fees may apply, depending on where the angler purchases the license.

The requirement does allow exemptions for resident anglers who fish in their home county, using live or natural bait, on a line or pole without a line-retrieval mechanism. This exemption does not apply to anglers who use nets, traps, gigs, spears or who gather seafood by hand or any type of gear other than hook and line.

Other exemptions apply for anglers who qualify for temporary cash assistance, food stamps or Medicaid. Also, resident anglers who are age 65 or older and children under age 16 may fish without a license. Active-duty military personnel may fish without a license while home on leave in Florida.

Licensed fishing piers have licenses that cover everyone who fishes from them.

The FWC suggests the $17 regular saltwater fishing license may be the best option for most resident anglers unless they are certain they will fish only from shore or a structure affixed to shore all year.

By creating the shoreline fishing license, the Florida Legislature arranged for Florida anglers to be exempt from a more-expensive federal angler registration requirement that will take effect in 2011.

A list of FAQs about the new shoreline fishing license is available at MyFWC.com. Click on "Newsroom" and "Media Resources."