Statewide Alligator Hunting in Florida
Can I shoot a gator?
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is the best place to go when looking for answers about wildlife. Especially when pertaining to Florida alligators, gator hunts and any laws associated with it. However, we can tell you that it IS perfectly legal. In some cases you just need a permit to do so. A Florida hunting or fishing license is NOT required to participate in the statewide alligator hunt. If you’re looking to get out there and hunt, don’t wait until the last minute because you’re not going to receive your permit right away. The trapping License, Permit and two CITES tags will be mailed to you within six weeks of the date of purchase.
What are the laws for Gator Hunting?
Each successful statewide alligator hunt applicant will receive a trapping license, an area specific harvest permit, and two CITES tags, authorizing the holder to harvest two alligators. The harvest areas and hunt dates are specific for each permit, and the permit specifies the boundaries or limitations of the harvest area. The hunting season begins on August 15 and ends on the morning of November 1. Hunting is permitted 24 hours a day in most areas. The first four weeks of the season are divided into four quota weeks. Each permit is assigned one of those weeks. However, Gator tags are not required for private lands, and gators can be hunted year-round. Conversely, on public waters, Gator hunt tags are issued by the State of Florida on a limited first-come, first-served basis.
When hunting, be sure to know that they may be taken only by the use of artificial lures or baited, wooden pegs less than two (2) inches in length attached to a hand-held restraining line and hand-held snares, harpoons, gigs, snatch hooks, and manually operated spears, spear guns, precharged pneumatic airbows, crossbows and bows with projectiles attached to a restraining line. If you have any questions regarding the Statewide Alligator Harvest Program, click here.
How much does a gator tag cost in Florida?
The alligator trapping license / harvest permit with two hide validation CITES tags cost. $272 for Florida residents, $22 for those with a Florida Resident Persons with Disabilities Hunting and Fishing License, and $1,022 for nonresidents.