📅 2025–2026 Season⏱ 6 min read✅ Verified against Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission

Florida Hunting License & Hunter Education Requirements

Everything a first-time hunter needs to get licensed in Florida: whether you need hunter education, which course formats are available, what licenses cost, and where to buy. Current for the 2025–2026 season.

Florida Hunter Education: Do You Need It?

FactorAnswer
Birth year cutoff (residents born before this are exempt)1975
Exemption applies toJune 1, 1975
Online-only course accepted?Hybrid only — field day required regardless of age
Apprentice/mentorship license available?Limited — see details below
Military/veteran exemption?Check our full guide
Official course registrationmyfwc.com ↗

Florida Hunting License Costs (2025–2026)

📌 Cost Summary From $17 resident / $151 nonresident
License TypeResidentNon-Resident
Base Annual Hunting License$17$151
Hunter Education CourseFree–$24.95Free–$24.95
Federal Duck Stamp (waterfowl only)$25$25

Where to Buy Your Florida Hunting License

  • Online: myfwc.com — fastest option, license available immediately
  • In person: Walmart sporting goods, Bass Pro, Cabela's, independent sporting goods stores
  • State offices: Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission regional offices — best for complex situations (military exemptions, lifetime licenses)

Step-by-Step: Getting Your First Florida Hunting License

  1. Confirm your hunter education status

    Use our Requirement Finder or check the table above. If born before 1975, you may be exempt.

  2. Complete hunter education if required

    Register at myfwc.com. Course: Hybrid only — field day required regardless of age. Cost: Free–$24.95.

  3. Purchase your license online

    Go to myfwc.com, create an account, enter your certificate number, and select your license type. Resident base license: $17.

  4. Add required tags for your target species

    Deer, turkey, and elk require separate tags in most cases. Check the Florida hunting regulations digest at myfwc.com for current tag requirements and season dates.

  5. Download and save your license

    Print a backup or save to your phone. Most Florida game wardens accept digital licenses, but having a printed copy is always safe.

✅ Florida Insider Note Florida hunting licenses run April 1–June 30. The 5-Year license ($79) is one of the best deals in the South for resident deer hunters.

Frequently Asked Questions — Florida

Yes. Florida recognizes IHEA-accredited hunter education certificates from all 50 states. If you completed your course in another state, your certificate number is valid when purchasing a Florida license. You do not need to retake the course.
Yes — Florida licenses are available online at myfwc.com. You can purchase the same day and begin hunting immediately (assuming it's an open season). Digital licenses are accepted by Florida game wardens.
Florida offers a one-time apprentice experience tied to its first-year deferral program. Hunters must complete the course by end of the license year. See our full guide: Apprentice & Mentorship License Programs.
Visit myfwc.com and use the certificate lookup tool, or try the national lookup at hunter-ed.com/records-lookup. If your record isn't found online, contact Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission directly. See our full guide: Lost Hunter Ed Certificate Replacement.
Informational Disclaimer: License costs, season dates, and requirements are updated annually by Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. Always verify current rules at myfwc.com before purchasing a license.