If you need to report a nuisance alligator, 
call 1-866-FWC-GATOR (1-866-392-4286).

New!  Living with Alligators 
Public Service Announcement video
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The Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program is administered by the Division of Hunting and Game Management through contracts between the Commission and nuisance alligator trappers. Approximately 40 private trappers are contracted to remove specific nuisance alligators. Individuals may call the toll-free number to submit complaints regarding nuisance alligators. The Commission will evaluate the complaint and determine if the alligator should be removed by a licensed nuisance alligator trapper. This program permits the harvest of alligators that are determined to be a threat to the welfare of the public, or the public’s pets, livestock, or property.

In 2007, the Commission received more than 13,000 nuisance alligator complaints. Nuisance alligator trappers were issued over 11,000 permits and tags and removed more than 10,000 nuisance alligators. 

What is a nuisance alligator?  Generally, alligators may be considered a nuisance when they are at least four feet in length and pose a threat to people or their pets or property.   Alligators less than four feet in length are naturally fearful of people and are not generally capable of eating anything larger than a small turtle. They eat small fish, frogs, and other small animals. They are too small to be a threat to even small pets and pose no threat to people. They are typically not dangerous to people unless someone attempts to handle them.  Also, they are common in Florida, and the mere presence of a small alligator is not cause for concern, even when they turn up in places where people may not expect to see them such as retention ponds and drainage ditches.  However, occasionally alligators less than four feet in length are legitimate problems and must be addressed. If an alligator less than four feet in length approaches people, does not retreat if approached, or is in a location that is not natural, call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 1-866-FWC-GATOR (1-866-392-4286). The Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program strives to reduce the threat from alligators to people and their property in developed areas, while conserving alligators in areas where alligators naturally occur. If you have a nuisance alligator call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 1-866-FWC-GATOR (1-866-392-4286).

Nuisance Crocodiles

Read about the history of Florida's nuisance alligator program, and about Living with Alligators (or view a Living with Alligators PowerPoint Presentation -  6.7 MB or a PDF version - 1.8 MB).

If you know of an area where the feeding of alligators is occurring or may occur, and you have authorization to do so, you can print and post this sign.

How to become a nuisance alligator trapper

Nuisance Alligator Harvest Summary

Alligator Bite Information
Alligator Bite Statistics