Fort De Soto Park Gulf & Bay Piers: hours, fees and license

As of / last verified: October 14, 2026 against official sources

Quick answer

Hours: 7 a.m. – sunset (park and both piers)
Entry / parking: $6 parking per vehicle (County)
License covered?: No. Pinellas County says a fishing license is required throughout the park, including the piers
Address: 3500 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL 33715
Phone: (727) 582-2100 (park general line)

Pinellas County's largest park has two fishing piers. The Gulf Pier has a food and bait concession.

The Gulf Pier in Fort De Soto Park. — Photo: Beyond My Ken, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

At a glance

Item	Detail
Hours	7 a.m. – sunset
Parking	$6 per vehicle; pay by app, text, terminal or annual pass ($0.35 app/text convenience fee)
Fishing license	Required, including on the piers
Concessions	Gulf Pier: food and bait
Phone	(727) 582-2100 (park general line)

Region: Tampa Bay fishing rules & piers

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Where is Fort De Soto Park Gulf & Bay Piers?

Open in Google Maps

Map location: 3500 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL 33715. Source: Pinellas County: Fort De Soto Park (official park address).

Don't get ticketed: checklist

Check the official page for closures before you go.
If the fee doesn't cover a license, carry your Florida saltwater license (unless exempt).
Piers and bridges count as "shore" for the Shore-based Shark Fishing permit.
Follow the Tampa Bay size, bag and season limits.

Permit steps

Confirm hours and fees on the official page linked below.
Buy a saltwater license if not covered or exempt (GoOutdoorsFlorida.com).
Add species permits you need (for example, the snook permit).

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a fishing license at Fort De Soto piers?

Yes. Pinellas County states that a fishing license is required throughout the park, including the fishing piers. Some older third-party pages say the piers carry a group license; we follow the County's current page.

What are Fort De Soto pier hours?

Pinellas County lists Gulf and Bay Pier hours as 7 a.m. to sunset.

How much is parking at Fort De Soto?

$6 per vehicle (without trailer).

Official sources

Last verified: October 14, 2026.

Related guides

Disclaimer: This page is a plain-English summary for general information. It is not legal advice. Rules, seasons and boundaries can change at short notice, including by emergency order. Always check the current regulations on MyFWC.com before you fish.