Hunting in Florida

You can enjoy more outdoor recreational
opportunities than ever before, thanks to
75 years of the Wildlife & Sport
Fish Restoration programs
© Rogue Eye Photography

Regulations

The Hunting Handbook summarizes the hunting regulations for private and public lands. The FWC also cooperates with other landowners to establish wildlife management area (WMA) regulations.

Licenses and permits

Florida residents and visitors need a Florida hunting license, unless they are exempt. The limited entry permit program offers quality hunting on WMAs. Application periods begin in early spring. For some hunts/times, no quota permit is required.

Hunter safety

Hunters born on or after June 1, 1975 and 16 years old, must pass a hunter safety course before purchasing a license. The mentoring exemption allows certain hunters to purchase a one-time only hunting license without completing the course.

Public hunting opportunities

FWC cooperatively manages public hunting on more than 5.5 million acres in our WMA system. The FWC cannot give permission to hunt on other lands. Land that is not posted or fenced, including some water bodies, may not be open to hunting. There is a directory of outfitters and guides to help you plan your hunt.

 

deer-art.gif2012-2013 Hunting Season Dates

Attention: Notable changes have been made to the limited entry/quota application periods for the 2012-2013 hunting season. This year, no such application periods will occur during the month of October. Application periods for Green Swamp general gun camping permits; and Merritt Island, Goodwin/Broadmoor, Ocklawaha Prairie, STA and September waterfowl permits will instead happen in September. Also, application periods for St. Marks and special-opportunity spring turkey permits will take place in November. View details on next season’s limited entry/quota application periods.


FWC Facts:
According to the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife-Associated Recreation, 66.1 million people engage in wildlife observation, spending about $38.5 billion per year.

Learn More at AskFWC