Hunting in Florida is an adventure, with plenty of game variety for almost any hunter. Whether you call Florida home or you’re traveling there to add an Osceola turkey to your list of species wins, there’s rarely a dull moment when hunting the Sunshine State.
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 hunting — but 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.
Updated May 15, 2025
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!
Note that some dates are updated through 2025, and we'll continue updating this resource as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) provides the latest season dates.
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 2 – 31, 2025
Crossbow: August 2 – September 5, 2025
Muzzleloader: September 6 – 19, 2025
Youth Weekend: September 13 – 14, 2025
General Gun: September 20 – October 19, 2025 and November 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Zone B
Archery: October 18 – November 16, 2025
Crossbow: October 18 – November 21, 2025
Muzzleloader: November 22 – December 5, 2025
Youth Weekend: November 29 – 30, 2025
General Gun: December 6, 2025 – February 22, 2026
Zone C
Archery: September 13 – October 12, 2025
Crossbow: September 13 – October 17, 2025
Muzzleloader: October 18 – 31, 2025
Youth Weekend: October 25 – 26, 2025
General Gun: November 1, 2025 – January 18, 2026
Zone D
Archery: October 25 – November 26, 2025
Crossbow: October 25 – November 26 and December 1 – 5, 2025
Muzzleloader: December 6 – 12, 2025 and February 243 – March 1, 2026
Youth Weekend: December 6 – 7, 2025
General Gun: November 27 – 30, 2025 and December 13, 2025 – February 22, 2026
Antlerless Deer
Zone A
Archery:
DMU A2: August 2 – 10, 2025
DMU A3: August 2 – 17, 2025
Crossbow:
DMU A2: August 2 – 10, 2025
DMU A3: August 2 – 17, 2025
Youth Weekend (DMU A2 and A3): September 13 – 14, 2025
General Gun:
DMU A2: November 22 – 23, 2025
DMU A3: November 22 – 25, 2025
Zone B
Archery: October 18 – November 16, 2025
Crossbow: October 18 – November 21, 2025
Muzzleloader: November 22 – December 5, 2025
Youth Weekend: November 29 – 30, 2025
General Gun: December 27, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Zone C
Archery: September 13 – October 12, 2025
Crossbow: September 13 – October 17, 2025
Muzzleloader: October 18 – 31, 2025
Youth Weekend: October 25 – 26, 2025
General Gun:
DMU C1, C2, C3, & C4: November 22 – 30, 2025
DMU C5: November 1 – 30, 2025
DMU C6: November 22 – 30, 2025
Zone D
Archery: October 25 – November 26, 2025
Crossbow: October 25 – November 26 and December 1 – 5, 2025
Muzzleloader: December 6 – 12, 2025 and February 23 – March 1, 2026
Youth Weekend: December 6 – 7, 2025
General Gun: November 27 – 30, 2025 and December 13, 2025 – February 22, 2026
Turkey Season
Turkey seasons are also defined by Zones and firearm vs. bow. Hunters can enjoy two opportunities to hunt turkeys: spring and fall.
Spring Dates
Youth Weekends
North of State Road 70: March 13 – 16, 2026
South of State Road 70: February 27 – March 2, 2026
General
North of State Road 70: March 21 – April 26, 2026
South of State Road 70: March 7 – April 12, 2026
Fall Dates
Zone A
Archery: August 2 – 31, 2025
Crossbow: August 2 – September 5, 2025
Muzzleloader: September 6 – 19, 2025
Fall Season: October 6 – 19, 2025 and November 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Zone B
Archery: October 18 – November 16, 2025
Crossbow: October 18 – November 21, 2025
Muzzleloader: November 22 – December 5, 2025
Fall Season: December 6, 2025 – February 1, 2026
Zone C
Archery: September 13 – October 12, 2025
Crossbow: September 13 – October 17, 2025
Muzzleloader: October 18 – 31, 2025
Fall Season: November 1 – December 28, 2025
Zone D
Archery: October 25 – November 26, 2025
Crossbow: October 25 – November 26 and December 1 – 5, 2025
Muzzleloader: December 6 – 12, 2025
Fall Season: November 27 – 30, 2025 and December 13, 2025 – January 18, 2026
Alligator
Harvest Period 1: August 15 – 21 and September 12 – November 8
Harvest Period 2: August 22 – 28 and September 12 – November 8
Harvest Period 3: August 29 – September 4 and September 12 – November 8
Harvest Period 4: September 5 – 11 and September 12 – November 8
For more information about alligator hunts in Florida, check with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservationi Commission.
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
Merganser: November 23 – December 1 and December 7 – January 26
Canada Goose:
September 7 – 29
November 23 – December 1 and December 1 – January 30
Light Geese: November 23 – December 1 and December 7 – January 26
Rail: September 1 – November 9
Dove: September 28 – October 20, November 9 – December 1, and December 19 – January 31
Quail: November 8, 2025 – March 1, 2026
Gallinule: September 1 – November 9
Snipe: November 1 – February 15
Coot: November 22 – December 1 and December 7 – January 26
Woodcock: December 18 – January 31
For additional information, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission page about migratory birds.
Bobcat and Otter
Bobcat (Statewide): December 1 – March 31
Otter (Statewide): December 1 – March 1
Wild Hogs, Rabbits, Coyotes, and Other Small Animals
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.
Deer
2 per day (4 in possession), 5 annually (2 antlerless)
Rail
15 per day, 45 in possession (King and Clapper)
25 per day, 75 in possession (Sora and Virginia)
Turkey
2 per day (2 for all fall seasons combined)
Canada Goose
5 per day (15 in possession)
Quail
12 per day (24 in possession)
Gallinule
15 per day (45 in possession)
Bobcat
No limit
Dove
15 per day (45 in possession)
Otter
No limit
Merganser
5 per day (15 in possession)
Gray Squirrels
12
Snipe
8 per day (24 in possession)
Rabbits
12
Coot
15 per day (45 in possession)
Coyote
No limit
Light Geese
15 per day (no possession limit)
Wild Hogs
No limit
Woodcock
3 per day (9 in possession)
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, like the right deer calls to call in a buck! From clothing, binoculars, hunting blinds, and more, HuntWise users can 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 HuntWise app and start your free trial now, and you’ll be ready to hunt on opening day.
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