The Sunshine State offers an incredible hunting experience with a diverse range of species and amazing landscapes. Florida archery season offers alligator hunting, and there are plenty of hogs, deer, and turkeys.
Florida also allows the hunting of invasive species like pythons, boas, and iguanas to stabilize the local ecosystem. Whatever you want, you can find it in Florida.
Florida (FL) Archery Season, 2022-2023
Florida divides its hunting areas into four zones. Zone A covers areas below State Road 70. It also includes Lake Okeechobee. Zone B includes Western Central Florida and areas north of Tampa. Zone C includes areas around Zone B and north of Zone A towards the panhandle. Zones D and C are on either side of State Road 61.
When does Archery Season Start in FL?
Florida Deer Seasons
- Archery July 30-November. 23*
- Crossbow July 30-December. 2*
*Season dates vary by region. Florida permits bowhunting in all seasons, with crossbows allowed in firearm and muzzleloading seasons.
Florida Turkey Seasons
- Fall Archery July 30-November. 23*
- Fall Crossbow July 30-December. 2*
**Season dates vary by region, and there are bag limits of two turkeys per hunter.
Florida Small Game Seasons
- Gray Squirrel October 8-March 5
- Quail November 12-March 5
- Bobcat December 1-March 31
- Otter December 1-March 1
- Rabbit Open season
- Wild Hog Open season
- Raccoon Open season
- Opossum Open season
- Skunk Open season
- Nutria Open season
- Beaver Open season
- Coyote Open season
Can You Hunt Alligators in Florida?
Alligator hunting is permitted 24 hours a day from the start of the season in August 2022. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved the rule change, extending hunting hours from between 5 pm and 10 am to 24 hours in-season.
Hunting Licenses and Permits in FL
Hunters can purchase licenses, and permits are available online at Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Florida Resident
Florida residents must have a valid driver’s license or ID card. All Florida residents aged 16 to 64 must have a resident hunting license. Additional permits are required for hunting species.
Non-Resident
Non-residents aged 16 or older must have non-resident hunting licenses.
Youth Hunting License
Florida residents and non-residents aged 15 or younger don’t have to have a hunting license.
Disability License
Disabled residents are eligible for the free Resident Persons with Disabilities Hunting and Fishing License.
Military and Veteran Licenses
Active-duty military personnel stationed in Florida can buy a resident hunting license. Active-duty military members on leave are not required to purchase a hunting license. These individuals must have less than 30 days of leave.
Active-duty military members and veterans stationed in Florida, including residents of Florida but stationed in other states, can apply for the reduced-fee Military Gold Sportsman’s License is available to the following.
Migratory Waterfowl Licenses
Hunters aged 16 or older must buy a Federal Duck Stamp and Florida Waterfowl Permit when hunting migratory waterfowl. Hunters must have a federal migratory permit and proof of participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP).
License Expiration
Hunting licenses are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Florida residents can purchase a lifetime hunting license.
Check out our guide 30+ Hunting Rules to Keep You Safe while bowhunting in the wild.
