Hunting Seasons & Licensing · FL
Florida Hunting Seasons & Licensing
2025–2026 SeasonFlorida offers unique hunting opportunities including white-tailed deer, Osceola turkey (found only in Florida), wild hog, and alligator. The state manages over 6 million acres of Wildlife Management Areas — one of the largest public hunting systems in the country. Florida's long season, mild winters, and accessible WMA system make it a popular destination for both residents and non-residents. The state is divided into hunting zones with different season dates.
Dates shown are for the 2025–2026 season based on the most recent published regulations. Always verify current dates with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before hunting.
Season Dates by Game Type
Big Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | Jul 26 – Oct (varies by zone) | 2 deer per day (antler restrictions vary) | Bow and arrow, crossbow |
| White-tailed Deer | General Gun | Nov through Feb (varies by zone) | 2 deer per day | Rifle, shotgun, handgun, muzzleloader |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader | Oct through Dec (varies by zone) | Included in season limits | Muzzleloader only |
| Feral Hog | Year-round | No closed season on private land | No limit | Any legal firearm, bow, trapping |
| Alligator | Statewide | Aug 15 – Nov 1, 2025 | Per permit — 2 CITES tags per permit | Harpoon, crossbow, bangstick |
White-tailed Deer (Archery): Florida's archery season opens earlier than most states
White-tailed Deer (General Gun): Zone-specific dates. Check zone A, B, C, and D schedules.
Feral Hog (Year-round): WMA hog hunting may have specific dates and rules
Alligator (Statewide): Permit by lottery. Highly competitive.
Turkey
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osceola / Eastern Turkey | Spring | Mar 7 – Apr 12, 2026 (varies by zone) | 2 gobblers per season (1 per day) | Shotgun, bow |
| Osceola / Eastern Turkey | Fall | Oct through Nov (varies by zone) | 1 turkey either sex | Shotgun, bow |
Osceola / Eastern Turkey (Spring): Osceola turkey is a subspecies found only in Florida — a prized Grand Slam bird
Upland Game Birds
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Bobwhite Quail | General | Nov 8 – Mar 1, 2026 | 12 daily | Shotgun |
| Mourning Dove | General | Oct through Jan (split season) | 15 daily | Shotgun |
Waterfowl
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks | General | Varies by zone — Nov through Jan | 6 daily (species-specific limits) | Shotgun (non-toxic shot required) |
Ducks (General): Federal duck stamp + HIP required. Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways.
Small Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gray Squirrel | General | Oct 11 – Mar 1, 2026 | 12 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
| Cottontail/Marsh Rabbit | General | Oct 11 – Mar 1, 2026 | 12 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
Licensing
| License Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License | $17 | — |
| Non-Resident Hunting License | $151.50 | — |
| Resident Deer Permit | $5 | — |
| Non-Resident Deer Permit | $5 | — |
| Turkey Permit | $10 | — |
| Management Area Permit | $26.50 | Required for most WMA hunting |
| Youth (under 16) | Free | — |
| Senior (65+) | Free (resident) | — |
| Military | Free (active duty stationed in FL) | — |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $25 | Required for waterfowl |
Tags, Draws & Lotteries
Most Florida hunting licenses are available over the counter. Alligator harvest permits are limited and issued through a random lottery — applications are due in May. Some WMA quota hunts require a drawing through the FWC system. There is no preference point system. Florida's WMA system is extensive — over 160 areas open to hunting with varying levels of access and regulations.
Harvest Reporting
Florida requires mandatory harvest reporting for deer and turkey through the FWC Fish|Hunt FL app, website, or by phone. Reporting must be completed before moving the animal. Alligator harvest has specific CITES tagging requirements. CWD has not been detected in Florida but surveillance is ongoing.
Florida Wildlife Resources
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission — Hunting Home →
- Current Hunting Regulations →
- Hunter Education →
- Violation Hotline: Wildlife Alert: 888-404-3922
- USFWS Waterfowl Frameworks →
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Season dates, bag limits, license fees, and regulations shown here are based on the most recently published data from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and may not reflect last-minute changes, emergency closures, or special regulations. Always verify current regulations directly with your state wildlife agency before hunting. FirearmSelect does not provide legal advice and is not responsible for actions taken based on this information.