The Guide to Florida Hunting Seasons 2024

If you’re anything like the HuntWise hunters, you’re already ready for your next hunt. From e-scouting to checking and updating your gear, you never stop thinking about and planning your next hunt. 

Before you can gather your gear and check the wind and the weather, make sure you know when the season starts for the game you’re after. You’ll also need to know how to get a license and where to hunt.

In this guide, we’ve gathered the details you need to hunt Florida year-round. Plus, our app is the best tool for marking the best spots to hunt the game on your list this season. 

Why Do Hunters Hunt in Florida?

Florida is the only place you’ll find the highly sought-after Osceola turkey, so many hunters head to this state in pursuit of this bird. However, that’s not the only reason hunters love Florida. 

You’ll also find whitetail deer – specifically, the Florida white-tailed deer, the Florida coastal white-tailed deer, and the Florida Key deer. It’s also an excellent place to go after alligators and waterfowl.  

Where Should I Hunt?

While most people probably think of beaches and swamps when they think of Florida, there’s much more to the terrain! Depending on what you hunt, you could cross rocklands, sandhills, small islands, floodplain forests, and flatwoods. 

No matter where you scout and hunt in the state, use HuntWise to find and mark the best hunting areas to tag out. Our satellite imagery and topographic map layers help you understand different terrains and plan the gear you need for a successful day in the field. 

When Can I Hunt?

Ready to get out there? We’ve compiled some current season and bag limit information in this resource. However, we always recommend checking Florida state agencies to confirm the latest information about season dates and bag limits before you head out!

Alligator

Alligator seasons range from Early Harvest to Late Harvest beginning August 22 and running through November 1. 

Deer Season

Florida deer seasons are broken down into Zones and antlered vs. antlerless dates. You’ll also want to pay close attention to dates by the method you use to hunt: bow vs. firearm. 

Antlered Deer

Zone A

• Archery: August 3 – September 1
• Crossbow: August 3 – September 6
• Muzzleloader: September 7 – 20
• Youth Weekend: September 14 – 15
• General Gun: September 21 – October 20 and November 23 – January 5

Zone B

• Archery: October 19 – November 17
• Crossbow: October 19 – November 22
• Muzzleloader: November 23 – December 6
• Youth Weekend: November 30 – December 1
• General Gun: December 7 – February 23

Zone C

• Archery: September 14 – October 13
• Crossbow: September 14 – October 18
• Muzzleloader: October 19 – November 1
• Youth Weekend: October 26 – 27
• General Gun: November 2 – January 19

Zone D

• Archery: October 26 – November 27
• Crossbow: October 26 – November 27 and December 2 – 6
• Muzzleloader: December 7 – 13 and February 24 – March 2
• Youth Weekend: December 7 – 8
• General Gun: November 28 – December 1 and December 14 – February 24 – March 2

Antlerless Deer

Zone A

• Archery:
  • DMU A2: August 3 – 11
  • DMU A3: August 3 – 18
• Crossbow: August 3 – September 6
  • DMU A2: August 3 – 11
  • DMU A3: August 3 – 18
• Youth Weekend (DMU A2 and A3): September 14 – 15
• General Gun: 
  • DMU A2: November 23 – 24
  • DMU A3: November 23 – 26

Zone B

• Archery: October 19 – November 17
• Crossbow: October 19 – November 17
• Youth Weekend: November 30 – December 1
• General Gun: December 27 – 29

Zone C

• Archery: September 14 – October 13
• Crossbow: September 14 – October 18
• Muzzleloader (DMU C5): October 19 – 20
• Youth Weekend: October 26 – 27
• General Gun: 
  • DMU C1, C2, C3: November 22 – 25
  • DMU C4: November 22 – 25
  • DMU C5: November 2 – 3 and 16 – 17
  • DMU C6: November 22 – 25

Zone D (New Changes)

• DMU D1:
  • Archery: October 26 – November 27
    • Crossbow: October 26 – November 27
    • Youth Weekend: December 7 – 8
    • General Gun: November 30 – December 1 and December 28 – 29
       
• DMU D2:
  • Archery: October 26 – November 27
    • Crossbow: October 26 – November 27 and December 2 – 6
    • Muzzleloader: December 7 – 13 and February 24 – March 2
    • Youth Weekend: December 7 – 8
    • General Gun: November 28 – December 1 and December 14 – February 23

Turkey Season

Turkey seasons are also defined by Zones and firearm vs. bow. Hunters can enjoy two opportunities to hunt turkeys: spring and fall. 

Fall Dates

Zone A

• Archery: August 1 – September 1
• Crossbow: August 3 – September 6
• Muzzleloader: September 7 – 20
• Fall Season: October 7 – 20 and November 23 – January 5

Zone B

• Archery: October 19 – November 17
• Crossbow: October 19 – November 22
• Muzzleloader: November 23 – December 6
• Fall Season: December 7 – February 2

Zone C

• Archery: September 14 – October 13
• Crossbow: September 14 – October 18
• Muzzleloader: October 19 – November 1
• Fall Season: November 2 – December 29

Zone D

• Archery: October 26 – November 27
• Crossbow: October 26 – November 27 and December 2 – 6
• Muzzleloader: December 7 – 13
• Fall Season: November 28 – December 1 and December 14 – January 19

Spring Dates

• North of State Road 70
  • Youth Weekend: March 8 – 9
  • Spring Season: March 15 – April 20
     
• South of State Road 70
  • Youth Weekend: February 22 – 23
  • Spring Season: March 1 – April 6

Quail

• Statewide: November 9 – March 2

Bobcat and Otter

• Bobcat (Statewide): December 1 – March 31
• Otter (Statewide): December 1 – March 1

Wild Hogs, Rabbits, Coyotes, and Other Small Animals

These animals can be taken year-round. 

For more details on specific species you can hunt legally, check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website. 

Migratory Birds and Waterfowl

• Duck:
  • September 21 – 25 (teal and wood duck)
  • September 26 – 29 (teal)
  • November 13 – December 1 and December 7 – January 26
     
• Canada Goose: 
  • September 7 – 29
  • November 23 – December 1 and December 1 – January 30
     
• Rail: September 1 – November 9
   
• Dove: September 28 – October 20, November 9 – December 1, and December 19 – January 31

For additional information (including details about other birds), visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission page about migratory birds. You can also find more details about specific species and season dates through eRegulations. 

What Do I Need to Know About Hunting Licenses?

Residents and non-resident hunters need a Florida hunting license. An annual Resident license costs $17.00, while a non-resident annual license costs $151.50. Non-residents can also purchase a 10-day license for $46.50. Avid sportsmen (and women) might consider a combination license or sportsman’s license. 

Depending on what species you hunt and what you hunt with (bow, crossbow, or muzzleloader), you will also need a permit. Learn more about licenses and permits for hunting in Florida here.

What Are the Bag Limits for Florida Hunting?

How many ducks, turkeys, rabbits, or deer can you bring home this season? To comply with Indiana’s hunting regulations, check and follow the bag limits for everything you plan to hunt. 

For more details on bag limits, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website.  

What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?

Hunters born after June 1, 1975, and 16 years old need a hunter safety certification before purchasing a hunting license. However, if you meet specific criteria, you can buy a license with a deferral for the hunter safety requirement. 

Along with your license, you also need the right gear! From clothing, binoculars, hunting blinds, and more, HuntWise users save hundreds on gear from our app partners. Use this discount to grab everything you need to tag out. 

HuntWise Helps Hunters Tag Out in Florida

Whether you’re after an elusive alligator or that Osceola turkey, we hope this information helps you plan a successful Florida Hunting season!  

Remember: Before you head out into the field, download the HuntWise app. It will provide up-to-date information on hunting in Florida, including season dates, regulations, and license information. 

You’ll also be able to plan your hunt more strategically to gain an advantage over other hunters. With RutCast, you can maximize the peak season for whitetail. You can also use in-app markers and different map layers to mark hunt areas and plan your hunt.   

Download the app and start your free trial now, and you’ll be ready to hunt on opening day. Then, get out and have a great hunting season.