Florida Hunting Season Guide 2024–2025
1. Game Species in Florida
Florida offers hunters a wide range of game species due to its diverse habitats:
- White-tailed Deer
- Wild Turkey
- Feral Hogs (no closed season, no bag limit on private land)
- Small Game: Gray Squirrel, Rabbit, Bobwhite Quail
- Migratory Birds: Dove, Duck, Geese, Woodcock, Snipe
- Furbearers: Bobcat, Otter, Raccoon, Skunk
- Alligator: With limited-entry permits only
Learn more: FWC Game Species Overview
2. Hunting Seasons & Zones (2024–2025)
Florida is divided into four hunting zones: A, B, C, and D, each with distinct dates for various game.
White-tailed Deer Season by Zone
|
Zone |
Archery |
Crossbow |
Muzzleloading Gun |
General Gun |
|
A |
Jul 27 – Aug 25 |
Jul 27 – Aug 30 |
Aug 31 – Sep 13 |
Sep 14 – Oct 13 |
|
B |
Oct 19 – Nov 17 |
Oct 19 – Nov 22 |
Nov 23 – Dec 6 |
Dec 7 – Jan 19 |
|
C |
Sep 14 – Oct 13 |
Sep 14 – Oct 18 |
Oct 19 – Nov 1 |
Nov 2 – Jan 5 |
|
D |
Oct 26 – Nov 24 |
Oct 26 – Nov 29 |
Nov 30 – Dec 13 |
Dec 14 – Feb 23 |
2025 Season Updates & Regulation Changes
Key changes beginning July 1, 2024:
- Adjusted bag limits in certain WMAs
- Date shifts in Zone B’s general gun season
- Updates to quota permit allocations
- Regulation changes for specific Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
Full changes listed here: FWC Proposed and Approved Rule Changes
3. License Types, Costs & Requirements
All Florida hunters aged 16 and older must have a hunting license. Additional permits are required depending on species or location.
License & Permit Overview
|
Type |
Resident Fee |
Non-Resident Fee |
Details |
|
Hunting License |
$17.00 |
$151.50 (annual) |
Required for general hunting |
|
Deer Permit |
$5.00 |
$5.00 |
Required to hunt deer |
|
Turkey Permit |
$10.00 |
$125.00 |
Required to hunt turkey |
|
Management Area Permit |
$26.50 |
$26.50 |
Required to hunt in most WMAs |
|
Archery Permit |
$5.00 |
$5.00 |
Required during archery season |
|
Crossbow Permit |
$5.00 |
$5.00 |
For crossbow hunting during specified dates |
|
Alligator Trapping Permit |
Varies (Lottery) |
Varies |
Requires successful application |
|
Lifetime Sportsman License |
$301.50+ |
N/A |
For residents only; varies by age |
Purchase or apply here: GoOutdoorsFlorida.com
4. Florida Hunting Regulations (2024–2025)
Key Statewide Regulations
- Hunter Orange: Required during deer gun seasons (500 sq. inches above waist)
- Legal Shooting Hours: ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset
- Bag & Possession Limits: Vary by species and zone. Exceeding limits is illegal.
- Transport & Tagging: Some species (e.g., alligators, turkey) require tagging.
2025 New Regulatory Updates
- Regulatory expansion in northwestern WMAs
- Revised shooting hours in some turkey hunts
- Modernization of digital quota application processes
Read the 2024–2025 full FWC Hunting Regulations Guide
5. Hunter Education & Beginner Resources
Is Education Required?
Yes — for anyone born on or after June 1, 1975.
Available Courses
- In-Person: Basic course + Field Day
- Online Hybrid: Online coursework + Field Day
- Florida Virtual School Outdoor Education: For students 12–18 enroll Here
All education resources: FWC Hunter Safety & Education
6. Important Hunting Guidelines & Tips
Public Land Access
Florida has over 6 million acres of public land managed for hunting, including:
- Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
- National Forests
- Wildlife and Environmental Areas (WEAs)
Find areas and permits: FWC WMA Finder Tool
Harvest Reporting
- Mandatory for Wild Turkey and Alligator
- Some WMAs require check stations
- Always check your permit and species rules
More info: FWC Harvest Reporting & Check Stations
Additional Regulations & Tips
- Respect Private Property – Get written permission when required
- No hunting under influence of alcohol or drugs
- Carry licenses and permits at all times
- Use legal methods of take for each species
- Use appropriate blaze orange during firearm seasons
Pack out trash and follow Leave No Trace principles Need help planning a hunt? Visit: FWC Hunting Planner
Disclaimer
All hunting season dates, rules, permit requirements, and fees referenced in this guide are sourced directly from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) official website (https://myfwc.com).Because hunting regulations can change annually or due to emergency orders, we strongly encourage all hunters to verify the latest information via FWC’s official hunting portalbefore planning or participating in any hunting activities.