Hunter Safety Requirement

Hunter Safety License Requirement

Persons 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 first having successfully completed a hunter safety course.  Anyone who meets the above description must present a valid hunter safety certification card prior to being issued a hunting license (excluding lifetime licenses). 

Individuals exempted from having 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.

Hunter Safety Requirement Deferral
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.