Florida Hunting Seasons & Licensing: What You Need To Know (2024)

If you're looking to hunt in the Sunshine State, then you need to be aware of the hunting seasons and licensing requirements.

In this blog post, we will provide an overview of what you need to know in order to legally hunt in Florida. We'll cover the different types of licenses available, as well as the hunting seasons for each game species.

So whether you're a first-time hunter or a seasoned pro, make sure to read on for all the essential information!

Hunting In Florida

During the Florida hunting season, some of the most diverse hunting chances are available. Aside from deer, hogs, and turkey, Florida's alligator hunting season is an example for demonstrating how hunting can be used to maintain natural resource stability.

In Florida, there are four different hunting zones. Zone A covers the majority of the state south of State Road 70, including Lake Okeechobee. Zone B comprises areas north of Tampa in Western Central Florida. Everything north of Zone A and into the panhandle is included in Zone C. Zones D and C are separated by State Road 61. When organizing your hunting trip to Florida, think about which parts of the state you want to visit.

Florida Deer Seasons

Archery	July 31-Nov. 24**
Crossbow	July 31-Dec. 3**
Muzzleloader	Sept. 4-Feb. 27**
Firearms	Sept. 18-Feb. 20**
Youth Hunt	Sept. 11-12, Oct. 30-31, Nov. 27-28, Dec. 4-5**

**Season dates vary by zone. Florida allows for bows to be used in all seasons, Crossbows to be used in Muzzleloading and firearm hunting seasons, and Muzzleloaders to be used in firearm seasons. You can always choose to use a more primitive method.

Florida Turkey Seasons

Fall Archery	July 31-Nov. 24**
Fall Crossbow	July 31-Dec. 3**
Fall Muzzleloader	Sept. 4-Dec. 3**
Fall Firearms	Oct. 4-Jan. 30**
Spring General Season	March 5-Apr. 24**
Spring Youth Hunt	Feb. 26-27

**Season dates vary by zone

Florida Small Game Seasons

Gray Squirrel	Oct. 9-March 6
Quail	Nov. 13-March 6
Bobcat	Dec. 1-March 31
Otter	Dec. 1-March 1
Rabbit	Open season
Wild Hog	Open season
Raccoon	Open season
Opossum	Open season
Skunk	Open season
Nutria	Open season
Beaver	Open season
Coyote	Open season

How To Get A Hunting License In Florida?

Depending on your age, you may be required to have the Hunter Education Certificate in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt.

Complete the Florida hunter education certification requirements.
Choose the correct license type.
Buy the license through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website or a Florida–approved retailer.

Florida License Expiration

Hunting licenses are good for 12 months from the date of purchase or from an alternate starting date. Florida residents are able to purchase a lifetime hunting license.

Where to Buy a Florida Hunting License

Visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website.
Call 1-888-HUNT-FLORIDA (1-888-486-8356).
Visit an approved license retailer or your county tax collector’s office.

For more information about hunting in Florida, or for precise season dates based on location, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website.