Alligator hunting in Florida
How Florida’s statewide alligator hunt works: permits, season, costs and guided hunts coming soon.
Florida’s statewide alligator harvest runs from August 15 to November 1, and it is one of the most exciting hunts in the South. To hunt you need a limited-entry permit drawn by lottery, or you can join a permit holder as a licensed agent. Here is how it works, and how to get notified when iOutdoors guided alligator hunts open.
How do you hunt alligators in Florida?
You need a statewide alligator hunt permit, issued by random drawing in phases each spring and summer. Each permit comes with an alligator trapping license, an area-specific harvest permit and two CITES tags, so you can take two alligators. The harvest runs August 15 to November 1, with the first four weeks split into quota weeks.
Permit holders must be 18 by August 15. You can also hunt as an assistant with a permit holder if you buy an alligator trapping agent license. Details: FWC statewide alligator hunt permit.
Permits, drawings and costs
- Drawing: Phases I–III are random drawings (up to 12 choices in Phases I and II, 5 in Phase III); Phase IV leftovers are first come, first served. About 25,000 people apply for 8,000+ permits.
- Cost if drawn: $271.50 for Florida residents, $1,021.50 for non-residents ($61.50 if you already hold a trapping license valid through Nov 1). It is free to apply; your card is charged only if drawn.
- Rules: no group applications, no preference points, permits are not transferable, and every harvest must be reported online within 24 hours. A Florida hunting or fishing license is not required.
Hunting as an agent (no permit of your own)
You don’t need to win the drawing to go. A permit holder can bring helpers, and each helper who takes part needs an alligator trapping agent license ($51.50). The permit holder must be present. Passengers who don’t participate need no license, and kids 15 and under need no agent license. Guided alligator hunts usually work this way: the guide holds the permit and you hunt as their agent.
How alligators are hunted
Most Florida gator hunts happen at night from a boat, spotting eyes with a light, then hooking or harpooning the alligator before it is dispatched, often with a bang stick. Legal gear includes hand-held snares, harpoons, gigs, snatch hooks, archery and bang sticks; firearms are not allowed except as specified by FWC. Big lakes like the Kissimmee chain, Lake Okeechobee and the St. Johns River produce many of the state’s largest gators.
Read more: alligator hunting in Florida and gator huntin’.
Guided alligator hunts: coming soon
We are lining up licensed alligator trappers so you can hunt as an agent on a permit, no drawing needed. Tell us your dates and group and we will let you know first, or call or text us.
Get notified when trips open
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Florida alligator hunting FAQ
When is alligator season in Florida?
The statewide alligator harvest runs August 15 to November 1.
How much is an alligator permit in Florida?
$271.50 for residents and $1,021.50 for non-residents if drawn; applying is free.
How many alligators can you take on one permit?
Two. Each permit comes with two CITES tags.
Can I hunt alligators without a permit?
Yes, as an agent with a permit holder. You need an alligator trapping agent license ($51.50) and the permit holder must be with you.
Can you use a gun to hunt alligators in Florida?
Not as the primary method. Gators are caught with hooks, harpoons, snares or archery and then dispatched, usually with a bang stick. Check FWC for current legal methods.
Does iOutdoors offer alligator hunts?
Guided alligator hunts are coming soon. Use the form above or call or text (407) 392-4593.