Deer hunting in Florida
Florida white-tailed deer seasons for 2026–27, zone by zone, and guided hunts coming soon.
Florida deer season runs from August in South Florida to late February in the Panhandle, so you can hunt white-tailed deer for more than half the year if you follow the zones. Here are the 2026–27 dates and limits from the FWC, plus how to get notified when iOutdoors guided deer hunts open.
When is deer season in Florida?
Florida splits deer season into four zones. Zone A (South Florida) opens first with archery on August 1, 2026; Zone C (north-central and east-central Florida) opens September 19; Zone B (central Florida around Lake Toho) opens October 17; and Zone D (the Panhandle) opens October 24. General gun season runs into February 21, 2027 in Zones B and D.
These dates apply outside wildlife management areas (WMAs). WMAs set their own seasons and often need a quota permit, so check the FWC website before you hunt.
2026–27 Florida deer seasons by zone
| Zone | Archery | Crossbow | Muzzleloader | General gun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A South Florida | Aug 1–30 | Aug 1 – Sep 4 | Sep 5–18 | Sep 19 – Oct 18; Nov 21 – Jan 3 |
| B Central (Lake Toho area) | Oct 17 – Nov 15 | Oct 17 – Nov 20 | Nov 21 – Dec 4 | Dec 5 – Feb 21 |
| C North & east-central | Sep 19 – Oct 18 | Sep 19 – Oct 23 | Oct 24 – Nov 6 | Nov 7 – Jan 24 |
| D Panhandle | Oct 24 – Nov 25 | Oct 24 – Nov 25; Nov 30 – Dec 4 | Dec 5–11; Feb 22–28 | Nov 26–29; Dec 12 – Feb 21 |
Youth deer weekends: Zone A Sep 12–13, Zone B Nov 28–29, Zone C Oct 31 – Nov 1, Zone D Dec 5–6. Antlerless deer can only be taken on specific dates in each deer management unit. Source: FWC 2026–27 season dates (outside WMAs).
Bag limits and rules
- Daily limit: 2 deer. Possession: 4.
- Season limit: 5 deer, of which no more than 2 antlerless (3 in deer management unit D2).
- You need a Florida hunting license and a deer permit, and hunter safety if you were born on or after June 1, 1975.
- Antler rules differ by zone and deer management unit. Check the FWC rules for the unit you hunt.
Planning a Florida deer hunt
Early-season South Florida hunts happen in heat and mosquitoes, so plan morning and late-afternoon sits and bring plenty of water and repellent. Central and North Florida rut timing varies a lot by region: some areas peak in the fall, others in winter, which is one reason the zones have different dates. Most guided Florida deer hunts are on private ranches and leases, from tree stands or box blinds over food plots and travel corridors.
Read more: hunting whitetail deer, deer stands that work, what camo to wear and the right calibers for deer.
Guided deer hunts with iOutdoors: coming soon
We are lining up Florida outfitters and private leases for guided deer hunts. Tell us your dates, zone and group size and we will let you know as soon as hunts open, or call or text us to talk it through.
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Florida deer hunting FAQ
When does deer season start in Florida in 2026?
Archery opens August 1, 2026 in Zone A (South Florida), September 19 in Zone C, October 17 in Zone B and October 24 in Zone D.
How many deer can you kill in Florida?
2 per day, 4 in possession and 5 per season, with no more than 2 antlerless (3 in DMU D2).
What are the Florida deer zones?
Zone A is South Florida, Zone B is central Florida around Lake Tohopekaliga, Zone C covers north-central and east-central Florida, and Zone D is the Panhandle.
Do I need a license to deer hunt in Florida?
Yes: a Florida hunting license and a deer permit, plus hunter safety if you were born on or after June 1, 1975. WMAs also need a management area permit.
Does iOutdoors offer guided deer hunts?
Not yet. Guided deer hunts are coming soon. Use the form above or call or text (407) 392-4593 to be notified first.