Baring the moniker, the Sunshine State, Florida offers many unique opportunities for the hunting enthusiast throughout the peninsula state for the . Host to an array of wildlife, hunting is sanctioned and encouraged by Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Before setting out, familiarize yourself with Florida hunting seasons and regulations as well as any licensing requirements before beginning your wild game hunt. Information can be found at online:
2008-2009 Florida Hunting Regulations (pdf)For starters, you'll then need to determine which type of license you need. There are sportsman's licenses for various species/sports as well as ages and residencies available in yearly or 5 year increments. A combination of licenses for fishing and other sports are also available.
Resident Hunting Licenses |
| Annual | Five-Year |
Gold Sportsman's License (includes Hunting, Saltwater Fishing and Freshwater Fishing licenses; and Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Turkey and Florida Waterfowl, Snook and Lobster permits) | $100.00 |
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Military Gold Sportsman's License(includes Hunting, Saltwater Fishing and Freshwater Fishing licenses; and Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Turkey and Florida Waterfowl, Snook and Lobster permits) (sold only at tax collector's office) | $20.00 |
|
Sportsman's License (includes Hunting and Freshwater Fishing licenses; and Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Turkey and Florida Waterfowl permits) | $80.50 |
|
Annual Hunting | $17.00 | $79.00 |
Resident 64 or Older Sportsman's License (includes Freshwater Fishing and Hunting licenses; and Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Turkey, and Florida Waterfowl permits) | $13.50 |
|
Nonresident Hunting Licenses |
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|
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Nonresident Annual Hunting | $151.50 |
|
Nonresident 10-Day Hunting | $46.50 |
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Additional to the licensing requirements, certain game and sports require permitting. Permit information is as follows:
Hunting Permits (Resident and Nonresident) |
| Annual | Five-Year
Residents only |
Wildlife Management Area Permit | $26.50 | $126.50 |
Archery Permit | $5.00 | $25.00 |
Muzzleloading Gun Permit | $5.00 | $25.00 |
Turkey Permit (Resident) | $5.00 | $25.00 |
Turkey Permit (Nonresident) | $100.00 |
|
Florida Waterfowl Permit | $3.00 | $15.00 |
Crossbow Permit | $5.00 | $25.00 |
Migratory Bird Permit | Free* |
|
Furbearer Trapping License | $26.50 |
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In addition to already mentioned requirements, applicants born on or after June 1, 1975 may not be issued a license to hunt in Florida with the use of a firearm, gun (including a muzzleloading gun), bow or crossbow without having already successfully completed a hunter safety course. Applicants meeting the above description must present a valid hunter safety certification card prior to being issued a hunting license (excluding lifetime licenses).
Individuals exempted from purchasing a hunting license but born on or after June 1, 1975 are exempted from the hunter safety requirement. Lifetime license holders born on or after June 1, 1975 whose licenses do not indicate that they have completed a hunter safety course must have the hunter safety certification card in their possession while hunting.
Anyone 16 years or older and born after May 31, 1975 may hunt under the supervision of a licensed hunter, 21 or older, without having to complete the state's hunter safety certification.
For more information see Hunter Safety Mentoring Exemption.
For more information and class schedules, contact the nearest FWC regional office.
Panama City | 850-265-3676 |
Lake City | 386-758-0525 |
Ocala | 352-625-2804 |
Lakeland | 863-648-3200 |
West Palm Beach | 561-625-5122 |
Lifetime Licenses
For the avid hunting enthusiast, a lifetime hunting license is the most economical option.
Children under 12 must have their parent submit the child's social security number, birth certificate, and parent's driver license or a copy to get a lifetime license.
Lifetime Sportsman's License (includes Hunting, Freshwater Fishing and Saltwater Fishing licenses; and Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Turkey, Florida Waterfowl, Snook and Lobster permits) |
4 years or younger
| $401.50 |
5-12 years | $701.50 |
13 years and older | $1,001.50 |
Lifetime Hunting License (includes Hunting License; and Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Turkey and Florida Waterfowl permits) |
4 years or younger
| $201.50 |
5-12 years | $351.50 |
13 years and older | $501.50 |
Note: Lifetime license may only be purchased at Tax Collectors offices or you may purchase online if you are age 16 or older and have a valid Florida Driver License that is at least 6 months old. For more information or to apply for a Lifetime license, contact your county tax collector's office or the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Make sure to check to whether you're required to have a license. Exemptions for licensing include:
* Children under age 16
* Persons hunting on their (spouse or minor child included) homestead in their residential county
* Florida and Georgia residents, 65 and older, with proof of residency and age.
* Disabled Florida residents (REQ: Florida Resident Disabled Person Hunting and Fishing Certificate)
* Florida residents in the armed forces, not stationed in Florida and home on leave for less than 31 days
Complimentary Resident Senior Citizen Hunting and Fishing Certificate may be obtained at county tax collectors' offices in lieu if age and residency requirements for Florida residents 65 and older.
2009 Florida Hunting Season DatesWith the exception of wild hog, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, coyote, nutria, skunk and beaver which may be taken year-round, the following are seasonal hunting dates. These dates apply to the South and Central zones (respectively) located from Miami to Orlando.
* Archery: Sept 12 - Oct 11,2009; Sept 26 - Oct 25,2009
* Deer-Dog Training: Oct 3 - Oct 22,2009 (both zones)
* Crossbow: Oct 12 - Oct 16,2009; Oct 26 - Oct 30,2009
* Muzzle-loading Gun: Oct 17 - Oct 25, 2000; Oct 31 - Nov 8,2009
* General Gun: Oct 31,2009 - Jan 10,2010; Nov 14,2009 - Jan 24,2010
* Anterless Deer: Nov 7 - Nov 13,2009; Nov 21 - Nov 27,2009
* Fall Turkey: Nov 14,2009 - Jan 10,2010 (both zones, not allowed in Holmes cty)
* Quail and Grey Squirrel: Nov 14,2009 - Mar 7,2010 (statewide)
* Bobcat and Other: Dec 1,2009 - Mar 1,2010
* Spring Turkey: Mar 6 - Apr 11,2009; Mar 20 - Apr 25,2009
How to Obtain a LicenseWith the exception of Lifetime licenses, applications can be submitted using one of three convenient options.
If you are applying for a Lifetime license or wish to apply in person, visit the county tax collector's office. Prices listed include the tax collector's fee. Please note that in addition to the license or permit fee, vendors may charge an issuance fee of 50¢. Lifetime licenses may be only be obtained at tax collector offices.
If paying with a major credit card, the Florida Wildlife Commission offers 2 ways to purchase your hunting from the comfort of your own home: online and phone reservations.
To apply via the internet, simply visit the
FWC online and complete the application. A $2.25 + 2.5% per person surcharge will be added to your purchase.
To apply over the phone, dial toll-free, 1-888-HUNT-FLORIDA from anywhere in the United States or Canada. A $3.25 + 2.5% per person surcharge will be added to your
purchase.
With either home method, you'll be issued a temporary license number which will enable to immediately hunt. Your permanent license will be mailed within 48 hours.
