Field Guide / State Hunting Guide
The Guide to Florida Hunting Seasons 2025
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 February 20, 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 SeasonFlorida 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 DeerZone A
Zone B
Zone C
Zone D
Antlerless DeerZone A
Zone B
Zone C
Zone D (New Changes)
| Turkey SeasonTurkey seasons are also defined by Zones and firearm vs. bow. Hunters can enjoy two opportunities to hunt turkeys: spring and fall. Spring Dates
Fall DatesZone A
Zone B
Zone C
Zone D
|
AlligatorThe statewide alligator season runs from August 15 to November. In 2024, Florida also held an Alligator Super Hunt. For details about the alligator hunt permit and more, visit the state's website. | Migratory Birds and Waterfowl
For additional information, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission page about migratory birds. |
Bobcat and Otter
| Wild Hogs, Rabbits, Coyotes, and Other Small AnimalsThese 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. |
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.
| 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 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.
Content reviewed and updated February 20, 2025.
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