Hunting in Florida
Regulations
The Hunting Handbook summarizes hunting regulations for private and public lands. For details about wildlife management area (WMA) regulations, see the WMA regulations brochures.
Licenses and permits
Florida residents and visitors need a Florida hunting license, (in addition to other required permits) 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.
Season Dates and Bag Limits
Use these links to quickly locate Florida resident game and furbearer hunting season dates and bag limits and migratory bird hunting season dates and bag limits.
Public hunting opportunities
FWC cooperatively manages public hunting on 6 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 waterbodies, may not be open to hunting. There is a directory of outfitters and guides to help you plan your hunt.
Use the WMA Finder to locate wildlife management area (WMAs) hunting opportunities based on species, season, location and more.
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 deferral from the hunter safety certification requirement allows certain hunters to purchase a hunting license without completing the course.
Hunting News
Learn how you can get the latest FWC hunting news including updates about hunting season dates, quota/limited entry hunts, regulations, conservation efforts, FWC-managed shooting ranges, where to hunt, programs, events and more.
More Information
Fish and Wildlife Law Violations
Wildlife Alert:
Report violations online or call 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922). Cellular phone users can also call *FWC or #FWC, or send a text to [email protected].