Alligator Hunting Adventure
Florida is the alligator hunting capital of the world!
An alligator harvest permit, an alligator trapping license, and CITES hide validation tags are required to hunt alligators in Florida. Random drawings are held to distribute all available alligator harvest permits. Applications may be submitted at any county tax collector’s office, license agent that sells hunting and fishing licenses, or online through the Go Outdoors Florida licensing portal. Those awarded a permit will be automatically charged for an alligator trapping license and two hide validation tags. The permit is not transferable. Persons possessing a Florida Resident Persons with Disabilities Hunting and Fishing License do not have to pay a fee for an alligator trapping license but must pay for hide validation tags. An alligator trapping agent license is also available and allows a person to assist a permitted trapper with taking alligators. An alligator trapping agent license is not required for youth 15 years old and younger.
There are two alligator hunting opportunities in Florida: the Statewide Alligator Harvest Program and the Alligator Super Hunt. It is possible to apply and be selected for both opportunities. Those participating in both opportunities only need one alligator trapping license but must pay $10 for each CITES tag issued with each permit awarded. One alligator trapping agent license allows a person to assist permitted trappers in both the Statewide Alligator Harvest Program and the Alligator Super Hunt.
To learn more about alligator hunting in Florida, including application dates, visit the FWC alligator hunting information page.
Fees
- Alligator trapping license (Florida resident): $250
- Alligator trapping license (non-resident): $1,000
- CITES tag: $10 each
- Alligator trapping agent license: $50, no fee for those with a Florida Resident Persons with Disabilities Hunting and Fishing License
Handling fees may also apply.
Statewide Alligator Harvest Program
The statewide alligator hunting season runs Aug. 15–Nov. 1. Each permit allows the harvest of two alligators at a specific alligator management unit.
There are four phases of application periods starting in May. Most of the permits are issued during Phase 1, and that application period is during the first 2 weeks of May.
There is no cost to apply, but credit card information must be submitted with each application. Applicants can only submit one application.
Alligator Super Hunt
The Alligator Super Hunt runs from Aug. 15–Dec. 31. Each permit allows the harvest of two alligators at any legally accessible alligator management unit.
Applicants pay $5 for each application and can apply as many times during the application period as desired to increase their chances of being drawn. The application period runs for 30 days starting in May.
