Introduction
This publication is provided as a guide to Florida hunting laws and regulations; however, the Wildlife Code of the State of Florida is the final authority on hunting laws. The Florida Wildlife Code, Division Number 68A of the Florida Administrative Code, can be obtained at www.flrules.org. The FWC strives to ensure the information in this publication is accurate but assumes no liability for substantive or typographical differences between this publication and the Florida Administrative Code. If you have questions regarding hunting laws and regulations, contact an FWC regional office (see below). This publication is valid from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
Definitions
- Game—resident game birds, game mammals and migratory game birds
- Resident game birds—quail and wild turkey
- Game mammals—deer, gray squirrel, rabbit and black bear
- Migratory game birds—ducks; snow (including blue), Ross’ and Canada geese; common gallinule (moorhen); coot; snipe; rail; woodcock; and mourning and white-winged dove
- Non-migratory game—resident game birds and game mammals
- Furbearers—bobcat, otter, raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, skunk and nutria
Information regarding bear management is not contained in this book.
Please visit MyFWC.com/Bear for information.
The FWC receives financial assistance from the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The DOI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity or facility or need more information, contact:
FWC, Office of Human Resources
620 S. Meridian St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399
850-488-6411
or:
Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Civil Rights Dept. of the Interior
1849 C St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20240
Florida's CWD Watch
866-CWD-WATCH (293-9282)
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a contagious disease of the brain and central nervous system that is always fatal to members of the deer family. CWD was detected in Florida in June 2023. You can help guard against CWD by reporting sick or abnormally thin deer or deer dead of unknown causes to the CWD hotline at 866-CWD-WATCH (866-293-9282).
Learn more at MyFWC.com/CWD.
Wildlife Alert Reward Program
Help conserve our fish and wildlife resources and maintain public safety by reporting hunting, fishing and boating violations by:
- The “FWC Wildlife Alert” app on your Apple or Android device
- Texting 847411 (Tip411) with keyword “FWC”
- Calling the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922)
- Submitting a tip at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert
Florida Buck Registry
The Florida Buck Registry recognizes hunters for taking quality deer in Florida. A minimum Boone and Crockett net score of 100 inches for typical antlers and 125 for nontypical antlers is required for entry into the registry. For more information, visit MyFWC.com/Deer.
Sign up for free hunting and shooting range email updates
3 easy steps!
1. Visit MyFWC.com/News and click "Sign Up for News Releases"
2. Enter your email address and hit "Submit" button
3. Under "Subscription Topics" select “Hunting” and check box for "FWC Hunting News"
Florida Wild Turkey Registry
The Florida Wild Turkey Registry recognizes quality wild turkeys taken in Florida.
- To qualify for an “Outstanding Gobbler Certificate,” the beard must be 11 inches or longer and both spurs must be 1¼ inches or longer.
- A “First Gobbler Certificate” also is awarded to hunters age 15 or younger for harvesting their first gobbler, regardless of beard and spur measurements.
Applications are available at MyFWC.com/Turkey.
Report Duck Bands!
Please report any banded duck or other migratory bird that you shoot to ReportBand.gov.
Band recovery information ensures good management and continued hunting opportunities.
Outdoor Weekend Learning Seminars
For youth, women and families!
Learn about fishing, hunting/shooting sports, paddle sports, and wildlife discovery at one of our weekend seminars! We provide the equipment, expert instruction, and a safe, hands-on learning environment.
Learn more at FYCCN.com/OWLS
