Florida hunting licenses have different age rules depending on the type of license and what you want to hunt

In Florida, you can hunt without a license if you are under 16 years old, as long as you hunt on private land with the owner's permission and follow all other hunting rules. If you are 16 or older, you need a hunting license to hunt anywhere in the state, including private land. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) sets these age thresholds and manages all hunting licenses.

The license you buy depends on what you want to hunt and how long you want to hunt. A resident hunting license covers most game animals and birds for one year. If you only want to hunt certain animals—like deer or waterfowl—you can buy a single-species license instead, which costs less. Non-residents pay higher fees and have different options.

Key Takeaways

  • Children under 16 can hunt on private land without a license if the landowner allows it and they follow all FWC hunting rules.
  • Anyone 16 or older must have a hunting license before hunting anywhere in Florida, even on their own property.
  • You can buy a hunting license online through the FWC website, by phone, or at authorized vendors like sporting goods stores and bait shops.
  • Florida offers single-species licenses (deer, waterfowl, turkey) that cost less than a full hunting license if you only hunt one type of game.
  • Hunters aged 16 to 64 must complete a hunter safety course before buying their first license; those 65 and older are exempt from this requirement.

Who needs a hunting license and who does not

If you are under 16, you do not need a license to hunt on private land with the owner's written or verbal permission. You still have to follow all FWC hunting regulations—bag limits, seasons, weapon types, and hunting hours. Hunting on public land (like state forests or wildlife management areas) requires a license at any age.

Once you turn 16, you must have a hunting license to hunt anywhere in Florida. This applies even if you own the land or have permission from the owner. The only exception is if you are a Florida resident aged 65 or older and you hold a Senior Resident Hunting License, which has different rules and lower cost.

Hunter safety course requirements by age

Florida requires all first-time hunters aged 16 to 64 to complete a hunter safety course before they can buy a hunting license. The course teaches firearm safety, hunting ethics, wildlife laws, and survival skills. You must pass the course to get a certificate, which you show when you buy your license.

The FWC offers the course online and in person. The online course takes about four to five hours and costs around $15 to $20. In-person classes are held throughout the state and usually take one full day. Once you pass, your certificate is valid for life—you do not have to retake it when you renew your license.

Hunters aged 65 and older do not have to take the hunter safety course. If you are 65 or older and have never hunted in Florida before, you can buy a Senior Resident Hunting License without the certificate. Non-residents aged 65 and older still need the course unless they hold a valid hunting license from another state.

Types of hunting licenses available in Florida

A Resident Hunting License is the standard license for Florida residents. It covers hunting for most game animals and birds (deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, small game) for one calendar year, from July 1 to June 30. The cost varies by year but is typically under $30.

If you only want to hunt one type of game, you can buy a single-species license instead. Florida offers separate licenses for deer, wild turkey, and waterfowl. These cost less than a full hunting license—usually $10 to $15 each—and are valid for the same one-year period. You can buy multiple single-species licenses if you want to hunt more than one type of game.

Non-resident licenses cost more and have different options. A non-resident can buy a 10-day hunting license, a 5-day license, or a full-year license. Non-residents must also complete the hunter safety course unless they hold a valid hunting license from another state. Non-residents aged 65 and older still need the course.

How to buy a hunting license in Florida

You can buy a hunting license online through the FWC website at myfwc.com/license. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card). The license is issued when ready as a PDF that you can print or save to your phone. You must carry the license with you while hunting.

You can also buy a license by phone by calling the FWC at 888-HUNT-FLA (888-486-8352). A representative will help you choose the right license and process your payment. Licenses bought by phone are mailed to you, so allow time for delivery before you plan to hunt.

Authorized vendors throughout Florida sell hunting licenses in person. These include sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some Walmart locations. Vendors can issue your license on the spot. You can find a vendor near you on the FWC website.

What to bring when you hunt

You must carry your hunting license with you at all times while hunting. If you printed it, bring the printed copy. If you saved it on your phone, have it ready to show to a wildlife officer. You also need your hunter safety certificate if you are aged 16 to 64 and this is your first license.

Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license or passport) in case a wildlife officer asks for it. If you are hunting on private land, bring written permission from the landowner or be prepared to explain that you have permission. Bring any other tags or stamps required for the game you are hunting—for example, a deer tag if you are hunting deer.

Hunting seasons and bag limits

Florida has different hunting seasons for different animals. Deer season usually runs from August through January, but the exact dates change each year. Waterfowl season is shorter and falls in the fall and winter. Wild turkey season is in the spring. Small game like rabbits and squirrels have their own seasons.

Bag limits are the number of animals you can legally take in a day or season. These limits vary by animal and sometimes by county. For example, you might be allowed to take two deer per season but only one during the early season. Always check the current FWC hunting guide before you go out, because seasons and limits change year to year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 15-year-old hunt without a license in Florida?

Yes, if they hunt on private land with the owner's permission and follow all FWC hunting rules. They cannot hunt on public land without a license. Once they turn 16, they need a license everywhere in Florida.

Do I need to take the hunter safety course if I already have a hunting license from another state?

If you are a Florida resident moving from another state, you may not need the course if you can show a valid hunting license from your previous state. Contact the FWC to confirm. Non-residents with a valid out-of-state license are also exempt from the course requirement.

How long does it take to get a hunting license if I buy it online?

Online licenses are issued when ready as a PDF. You can print it or save it to your phone right away and hunt the same day. If you buy by phone, allow several days for the license to arrive by mail before you hunt.

What happens if I hunt without a license?

Hunting without a valid license is a violation of Florida law. Penalties include fines, loss of hunting privileges, and possible criminal charges. Wildlife officers patrol hunting areas and check licenses, so it is not worth the risk.

Can I buy a hunting license for someone else as a gift?

You can purchase a license online or through a vendor, but the license must be in the name of the person who will use it. The person hunting must have their own valid license with their name on it.