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Florida

Florida Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply (2026)

Complete guide to Florida hunting license costs, requirements, seasons, and regulations for the Jul 1, 2025 – Jun 30, 2026 season.

Last updated: March 2026
Resident License $17 General hunting
Non-Resident License $151.50 General hunting
Hunter Education Required Born after 1975-06-01
Online Purchase Yes Jul 1, 2025 – Jun 30, 2026
LICENSE FEES

Florida Hunting License Fees 2026

Current hunting license costs for residents and non-residents. License year: Jul 1, 2025 – Jun 30, 2026.

Resident Licenses

License Type Resident Non-Resident
Resident Annual Hunting $17
Resident 5-Year Hunting $79
Resident Hunting/Freshwater Combo $32.50
Resident Hunting/Freshwater/Saltwater Combo $48
Resident Sportsman's License $80.50
Resident Gold Sportsman's License $100
Resident Silver Sportsman's (64+) $13.50
Resident Senior (65+) Free
Resident Lifetime Sportsman's $1052.50

Non-Resident Licenses

License Type Resident Non-Resident
Non-Resident Annual Hunting $151.50
Non-Resident 10-Day Hunting $46.50

Tags & Permits

License Type Resident Non-Resident
Deer Permit $5 $5
Turkey Permit (Resident) $10 $125
Archery Season Permit $5 $5
Crossbow Season Permit $5 $5
Muzzleloading Gun Season Permit $5 $5
Management Area Permit $26.50 $26.50
Florida Waterfowl Permit $5 $5
Wild Hog Free Free

Endorsements & Stamps

Migratory Bird Permit Free Free; valid Sep 1 – Mar 31; required for dove, duck, coot, snipe, rail, woodcock, gallinule
Federal Duck Stamp $25 Required for waterfowl hunters 16+; valid Jul 1 – Jun 30
HIP Certification Free Free, required for migratory bird hunting
PURCHASE

How to Buy a Florida Hunting License

Multiple convenient options to get your license quickly.

1

Buy Online (Recommended)

Visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or download the Fish|Hunt FL app. Create an account or sign in. Select your license type and add permits. Pay with credit/debit card. Print or save your digital license

2

Buy In Person

Walmart stores statewide, Bass Pro Shops / Cabela's, Dick's Sporting Goods, County tax collector offices, FWC regional offices

3

Buy By Phone

Call 888-486-8356. $3.50 transaction fee

Pro Tip

The easiest way to buy your Florida hunting license is online through the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. You'll get your license instantly and can start hunting right away.

EDUCATION

Hunter Education Requirements in Florida

Who needs it: All hunters born on or after June 1, 1975
Online course: Available — Cost: Free
Field day required: No field day required
Minimum age: 0 years old
Apprentice/deferral program: Not available
Military exemption: Yes, active duty military may be exempt
EXEMPTIONS

Who Can Hunt for Free (or at a Discount) in Florida?

Category Benefit Details
Youth (Under 16) Free No license required for youth under 16 (resident or non-resident); must be supervised by licensed adult 18+
Senior (65+) Free Free hunting and fishing license for Florida residents 65 and older
Silver Sportsman's (64+) $13.50 Residents 64+ can buy Silver Sportsman's license with hunting, fishing, and all season permits included
Persons with Disabilities Free Free hunting/fishing license for Florida residents with qualifying permanent disabilities; apply at MyFWC.com/ADA
Disabled Veteran Free Gold Sportsman's 100% permanently disabled veterans receive free Gold Sportsman's license
Active Military Exempt on leave Active duty military stationed in Florida are exempt from license requirement while on leave for 30 days or fewer
Landowner Exempt on own property Florida resident landowners can hunt on their own property without a license
SEASONS

Florida Hunting Seasons 2026-2027

Key hunting season dates and weapon restrictions.

Species Season Dates Weapon
White-tailed Deer Archery Sep 13 – Oct 12 Bow and crossbow only
White-tailed Deer Crossbow Oct 13 – Oct 17 Crossbow and bow
White-tailed Deer Muzzleloader Oct 18 – Nov 2 Muzzleloader, bow, and crossbow
White-tailed Deer General Gun Nov 8 – Feb 15 Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, bow, crossbow
Turkey (Spring) Spring Mar 7 – Apr 19 Shotgun, bow, crossbow
Dove Regular Oct 4 – Nov 30 Shotgun
Duck/Waterfowl Regular Nov 22 – Jan 25 Shotgun (non-toxic shot required)
Wild Hog Year-Round Jan 1 – Dec 31 Any legal weapon
Alligator Statewide Aug 15 – Nov 1 Harpoon, crossbow, bangstick; firearms prohibited
BAG LIMITS

Florida Bag Limits

Daily and seasonal harvest limits for major game species.

Species Daily Limit Season Limit Notes
White-tailed Deer 2 Varies by zone and antler type Antler point regulations (APRs) apply in most zones; check zone-specific limits
Turkey (Spring) 1 2 Bearded turkeys only; no fall turkey season in Florida
Dove 15 No season limit Mourning and white-winged combined
Wild Hog No limit No limit No bag limit, year-round on private and WMA
Duck 6 No season limit Species-specific limits apply within daily bag
Quail 12 No season limit Bobwhite quail
COMPARE

How Florida Compares to Neighboring States

See how hunting license costs stack up in the region.

State Resident License Non-Resident License
Florida $17 $151.50
Georgia $15 $100 Alabama $34.35 $399.50
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Hunting Licenses

How much is a hunting license in Florida?

A resident hunting license in Florida costs $17 for the 2025-2026 season. The Gold Sportsman's license (includes all hunting and fishing privileges plus all permits) costs $100. The Sportsman's license is $80.50 (hunting + freshwater fishing + all hunting permits). Non-residents pay $151.50 for an annual hunting license or $46.50 for a 10-day license.

Do I need hunter education in Florida?

Yes, all hunters born on or after June 1, 1975 must complete a hunter safety course. Florida offers a free online course, and no in-person field day is required — making it one of the easiest states to complete hunter education.

Can I buy a Florida hunting license online?

Yes, purchase your Florida hunting license online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or through the Fish|Hunt FL mobile app. Licenses are also available at Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, county tax collector offices, and by phone at 888-HUNT-FLORIDA (888-486-8356).

Is a Florida hunting license free for seniors?

Yes, Florida residents 65 and older receive a free lifetime hunting and fishing license. Residents 64 years old can purchase a Silver Sportsman's license for just $13.50, which includes hunting, fishing, and all season permits.

Do I need a license to hunt wild hogs in Florida?

On private land, no hunting license is required to hunt wild hogs with landowner permission. On public land (WMAs), you need a valid hunting license and a Management Area Permit ($26.50). There is no bag limit, no closed season, and no special tag required.

How much is a non-resident turkey permit in Florida?

Non-resident turkey permits cost $125 in Florida, which is significantly more than the $10 resident permit. Non-residents must also have a $151.50 annual non-resident hunting license. The 10-day non-resident hunting license ($46.50) is NOT valid for turkey hunting.

What is the Florida Gold Sportsman's license?

The Gold Sportsman's License ($100) is the best value for active Florida hunters and anglers. It includes hunting, saltwater and freshwater fishing licenses, plus all permits: WMA, archery, muzzleloading, crossbow, deer, turkey, Florida waterfowl, snook, and lobster.

What is the minimum age to hunt in Florida?

There is no minimum age to hunt in Florida. Children under 16 do not need a hunting license but must be supervised by a licensed adult 18 or older. Hunter education is required for hunters born after June 1, 1975.

Ready to Get Your Florida Hunting License?

Visit the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission website to purchase your license online today.