How to Get a Hunting License in Florida

Florida, known for beaches, sunshine, and amusement parks, is also home to amazing and sometimes exotic game. While hunters can shoot some birds up north during one season, they can also hunt gators during another. Since the decline of natural habitat in the recent past, Florida is more strict about hunters being licensed and having the correct permits.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Pick your hunting group early so that all members can get their license and apply for the same area in the lottery.
2. Take the Florida Fish and Wildlife hunter safety class. It is mandatory for all hunters born after May 31, 1975. Most states are now mandating safety courses before hunters can get their licenses. Florida has one exemption: first-time hunters under the supervision of a licensed hunter 21 or over do not have to take the course. This is for new hunters not sure if they will enjoy the hunting experience.
3. Apply for a Florida Area Quota Hunt Program while getting your license. It is a permit to hunt in wildlife areas that are controlled by the state and are hunted according to population of the game and area of land. It limits the numbers of hunters on certain areas of land. These quota permits are free, but you must apply early as they are limited and are awarded by lottery.
4. Check with local area sports stores or call the Florida Wildlife to see what permits are needed to hunt waterfowl. Each park or hunting area can be different and you may need different permits.
5. Buy a lifetime hunting license if you are an avid hunter, a current resident of the state and plan to stay there; cost is more the younger you are. License are available for just hunting or for fresh and saltwater fishing and hunting. These licenses are only sold at the Tax Collector's office.
6. Deer hunters must register with the state if you are using dogs to hunt deer on private property. It is a free permit, but it is mandatory.