Note: Alligator hunters are responsible for reading and complying with all provisions of Commission rules. Those rules can be found at MyFWC.com/Alligator and clicking on“Alligator Regulations.”
How can I hunt?
Hunters need an alligator trapping license/harvest permit, which costs $272 for residents, $22 for
those possessing a Florida Resident Persons with Disabilities Hunting and Fishing License, and $1,022
for nonresidents. This license comes with 2 hide validation (CITES) tags and allows for the take of 2
alligators. Applicants must be at least 18yearsold by Aug. 15, 2016, and have a valid credit or
debit card to apply. You may submit your application at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, county tax
collectors’ offices and most retail outlets that sell hunting and fishing supplies during these
application periods.
Where can I hunt?
You may apply for a countywide alligator trapping license in 65 of Florida’s 67 counties.County-
wide licenses are not available for MiamiDade and Monroe counties.
If you are awarded this type of
license, it will allow you to hunt alligators in most public bodies of water within that particular
county. Public bodies of water can be accessed by public boat landings/launches. With this type
license, you may also hunt any private ponds or lakes within that county, where you are given
permission from the landowner.
When can I hunt?
The statewide recreational alligator hunting season always runs Aug. 15 – Nov. 1 each year. And
depending on what harvest period you draw, you will be allowed to hunt one of the first 4 weeks
and the remaining 7 weeks of the season.
What can I use to hunt?
Legal methods for hunting alligators are limited to bows and crossbows, gigs, spears, harpoons and
spearguns. All points used in any of the above methods of take must be attached to a restraining
line and should be capable of fully penetrating an alligator’s thick hide and that won’t come out
when you pull back against the alligator. Explosive or drug injecting tips are not allowed.
Where can I find more information?
FWC has published a highly detailed booklet for Florida’s 2016 Alligator Hunting Season. It
includes tips on breeds, methods, equipment, rules, laws, and handling the meat. Click HERE to see the entire publication.