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Hunting Preserves

Any person who wishes to operate a private hunting preserve commercially or otherwise must first obtain a hunting preserve license from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

A Hunting Preserve License is required to release game animals on private property for hunting purposes.

Costs

The annual cost of the license is $70. All hunting patrons must have a Florida hunting license as required by Section 379.354, Florida Statutes. A commercial hunting preserve license, which exempts patrons from the hunting license requirements, may be purchased for $500.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for a Blanket Hunting Preserve License, a preserve must have a valid Hunting Preserve License, be operated exclusively for commercial purposes, be open to the public, and charge a uniform fee to patrons for hunting privileges. 

License exemptions for patrons

Customers or patrons (residents and non-residents) hunting on a hunting preserve with a Blanket Hunt Preserve License are exempt from individual license requirements of a Hunting License; Deer Permit; Florida Waterfowl Permit; Archery Season Permit; Crossbow Season Permit; Muzzleloading Gun Season Permit; and/or Turkey Permit.

Regulations

Rule 68A-12.010, Florida Administrative Code, Regulations Governing the Operation of Private Hunting Preserves, can be found online. Once at this website, enter 68A-12 in the "By Chapter Number" box under "Search for Rules in the Florida Administrative Code" and then click the "GO" button. When the list of rules appears, click on the link to rule number 68A12.010, Florida Administrative Code.

Game mammals kept on hunting preserves shall be taken only in accordance with the following conditions and methods:

(a) Game mammals shall not be taken on hunting preserves while boxed or caged and shall be taken only in accordance with the following conditions and methods:

  • Cervidae (deer family) shall be free-roaming on not less than 200 acres with a minimum of 100 acres covered with woody vegetation. The hunting of Cervidae with dogs is prohibited, provided that a leashed dog shall be allowed for trailing. The preserve shall be completely enclosed with an eight (8) foot deer-proof fence.
  • Bovidae (such as buffalo and antelopes) shall be free-roaming on not less than 300 acres with a minimum of 200 acres covered with grassy vegetation. The hunting of Bovidae with dogs is prohibited, provided that a leashed dog shall be allowed for trailing. The preserve shall be completely enclosed with an eight-foot (8') deer-proof fence.
  • Suidae (hog) shall be free-roaming on not less than 100 acres with a minimum of fifty (50) acres covered with woody vegetation. For hunting hogs with dogs the area shall be a minimum of 300 acres with 200 acres covered with woody vegetation.

We appreciate your interest in hunting preserves. If you have any questions, please visit Ask FWC, write to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Law Enforcement, Captive Wildlife Office, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600, or call (850) 488-6253.