If you’re curious about when is hunting season in Florida, then you’re on the right track! Florida hunting season dates are set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which establishes a season for each type of game animal.
The hunting season for most game animals in Florida runs from October through January. Some species, such as deer and hogs, have specific seasons that run from November through January. For instance, the statewide hog hunting season is November 1-January 31.
There are also special antlerless deer seasons in some parts of the state. Archery season for deer runs September 24-January 8, and the muzzleloading gun season is December 10-18.
There are also seasons for spring turkey hunting, rabbit hunting, quail hunting, and dove hunting. You can find a full list of Florida’s hunting seasons on the FWC website.
If you’re interested in learning more about hunting regulations in Florida, the FWC offers a Hunter Education Course. You can find a schedule of upcoming courses online.
Things To Remember Before Hunting In Florida
Before you head out into the field for your next hunt in Florida, be sure to review the following tips!
- Familiarize Yourself With The Regulations- Make sure you are familiar with all of the regulations pertaining to hunting in Florida. This includes regulations on seasons, bag limits, weapon restrictions, and more.
- Purchase The Appropriate Licenses And Permits- You will need a hunting license and the appropriate permits to hunt most game animals in Florida.
- Know Your Target- Be sure to accurately identify your target before taking a shot. It’s illegal to take game animals that are not legal to harvest.
- Use Proper Hunting Equipment- Only use firearms, archery equipment, and other hunting equipment that is legal in Florida.
- Respect The Rights Of Others- Be courteous and respectful of other hunters, landowners, and the general public while you are hunting.
- Practice Safety First- Always practice safe firearms handling and obey all safety regulations.
- Have Fun And Enjoy Yourself!
Hunting Regulations in Florida
The FWC Hunting Season Regulations handbook is available online and in print, and it outlines all of the regulations for both resident and nonresident hunters.
Where Can I Get Hunting Gear In Florida?
There are several places you can purchase hunting gear in Florida.
Some of the most popular places include sporting goods stores, Walmart, Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, and Gander Mountain. You can also purchase hunting gear online.
In addition to hunting gear, you’ll need a hunting license to hunt in Florida. You can purchase a license online, at any tax collector’s office, or through license agents.
Licenses And Permits Needed To Hunt In Florida
In order to hunt in Florida, you’ll need a hunting license and the appropriate permits.
The licensing process is simple- just visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website and apply for a hunting license online. You can also apply in person at any tax collector’s office or license agent.
There are several types of licenses available, depending on your age and residency status. The most common type of license is the resident hunting license, which costs $17.00.
Nonresident licenses cost more, starting at $52.00. There are also special licenses available for youth, seniors, military personnel, and out-of-state hunters.
In addition to a hunting license, you’ll also need the appropriate permits to hunt specific game animals. For example, you’ll need a deer permit to hunt deer, and a turkey permit to hunt turkeys.
Permits can be purchased online, at any tax collector’s office, or through license agents. You can also find information about permits on the FWC website.

What’s The Most Hunted Animal In Florida?
The most hunted animal in Florida is the deer. Deer are hunted by all types of hunters, including bow hunters and riflemen. The hunting season for deer runs from October through January.
The second most popular game animal to hunt in the state is a hog. Hog hunting season runs November 1-January 31 statewide, but there are also special antlerless deer seasons in some parts of the state and archery season for deer (September 24-January 8).
There’s a long list of animals that can be hunted year-round if you’re following an approved “management plan”. These include turkey, rabbit, quail, dove, and more. You’ll need a license to hunt these animals as well as permits specific to each game animal type you are pursuing.
Is There An Age Restriction When Hunting In Florida?
The answer is yes.
In Florida, there are several age restrictions for hunting- the first of which is that you need a hunting license to hunt in any game animal. The second restriction is that most hunters must be at least 16 years old to purchase a resident or nonresident hunting license. The last restriction, and probably the most important one, is that minors cannot hunt on their own unless they have permission from an adult who has taken hunter safety courses.
There are two exceptions to this rule: if you’re 14 or 15 years old and accompanied by your parents or guardian; or if you’re 12 years old and supervised by someone 18 years of age or older who has completed hunter education training (or can show proof of previous hunting experience).
When Is The Best Time To Hunt In Florida?
This is a difficult question to answer because it depends on what you are hunting for. There are general hunting seasons for most game animals that run from October through January, but there may be special seasons for specific game animals outside of this window. You’ll need to check the hunting regulations to see what is legal during the season you plan to hunt.
That being said, deer hunting is generally most successful in the early morning and evening hours when they are feeding. Hogs can be hunted day or night, but hunting at night offers the best chance of success since they are more active then.
So, to answer the question, the best time to hunt in Florida generally depends on the animal you are hunting. Always check the hunting regulations to be sure.
Conclusion
Hunting season in Florida can be a great experience for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the regulations and purchase the appropriate licenses and permits before heading out into the field. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy yourself!