Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.
FL
Deer Hunting in Florida: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)
Deer hunting in Florida starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.
Resident Tag $5 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $5 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Sep 13 – Oct 12 Archery
Draw Required? No (OTC) Over-the-counter tags
DEER QUICK ANSWER
Florida Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer
Start here for Florida deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.
Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.
Most hunters can start from the state license portal and available deer permits.
Archery; also check Crossbow.
For Florida deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Deer permit is required in addition to a qualifying hunting license unless bundled in a Sportsman's package. Because this page lists over-the-counter access, the main risk is choosing the correct weapon season, zone, and add-on permit. CWD has been detected in Florida, so carcass movement and testing rules deserve an early check.
OVERVIEW
Deer Hunting in Florida
Florida deer hunting requires a qualifying hunting license plus the deer permit unless the hunter holds a bundled Sportsman's-style license that already includes it. The annual deer permit is $5 for residents and nonresidents, but nonresidents also need the appropriate nonresident hunting license. Florida manages deer by zones and Deer Management Units, so season dates, antler rules, and public-land quota requirements vary locally. CWD management applies in the affected Panhandle management area, where FWC can set special carcass movement, feeding/baiting, and surveillance rules. Hunters should plan from the current zone and DMU rules rather than a statewide shortcut.
Species present: White-tailed Deer
SEASONS
Florida Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
Multiple Seasons
Florida offers 4 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.
COSTS
Florida Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Resident
$5
Deer tag / permit
Non-Resident
$5
Over-the-counter tag available
Deer permit is required in addition to a qualifying hunting license unless bundled in a Sportsman's package
PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Choose the right Florida deer planning path
Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.
Check the full Florida license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Compare Florida with other deer options
Use shortlist pages when you are deciding between states instead of reviewing each deer page one by one.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
REGULATIONS
CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in Florida
Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.
CWD Status
Detected
Holmes County, Jackson County, Washington County
CWD Testing / Transport
CWD detected
Zones: Holmes County, Jackson County, Washington County
CWD management-zone carcass movement and feeding/baiting rules depend on current FWC orders for affected counties.
Bag Limit
Daily: 2 · Season: Varies by zone and antler type
Antler point regulations (APRs) apply in most zones; check zone-specific limits
Allowed Weapons
Bow, rifle, muzzleloader
Official Source
Always verify current regulations with the official source: Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
FAQ
Deer Hunting in Florida — FAQ
Is CWD testing mandatory in Florida?
Routine statewide CWD testing is not mandatory, but FWC's CWD Management Zone can carry special carcass movement, feeding/baiting, and surveillance rules. Check the current county and DMU instructions before moving a deer.
What are the antler restrictions?
Antler restrictions vary locally by DMU. Typical rules require bucks to have at least two points per side, or three points on one side/a 10-inch main beam. Youth hunters are exempt for one buck annually.
Do I need a draw to hunt deer in Florida?
No, Florida offers over-the-counter (OTC) deer tags that can be purchased without a draw. Some special hunts or antlerless permits may require a separate lottery.
What deer species can I hunt in Florida?
Florida is home to White-tailed Deer. Allowed weapons include bow, rifle, muzzleloader.
Can non-residents hunt deer in Florida?
Yes, non-residents can hunt deer in Florida. The deer permit is $5, but nonresidents also need a qualifying nonresident hunting license, and public-land quota hunts can require separate access.