Looking forward to getting a Florida alligator permit this year? Well, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will soon be taking applications for its annual recreational alligator hunting season, which runs August 15 – November 1. However, there are some changes to the alligator permit application process that hunters need to understand.
The permit application period for the Phase I random drawing begins May 6 at 10 a.m. and runs through May 16. More than 5,000 alligator harvest permits will be available for Florida during this drawing. Hunters can submit their application with choices of up to 20 hunt areas and periods. A permit allows the harvest of 2 alligators on a designated harvest unit or in a county. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by August 15 and need to have a valid credit/debit card.
Alligator Permit Applications
Applications may be submitted at any county tax collector’s office, license agent (most retail outlets that sell hunting and fishing supplies) and online. One of the big changes is that applicants must provide their credit card information when they apply. In addition, there is also a cancellation feature, which allows applicants to update their hunt choices or credit card information.
Within 3 days of an application period closing, applicants should see an authorization on their credit card verifying there is a sufficient balance to cover the cost of the permit, however, this does not mean they were awarded a permit. Once the credit card authorization process is complete, the lottery drawing will be held. All successful applicants will be charged, while those who were unsuccessful will have the authorizations lifted from their credit cards.
Cost of Alligator Permits
Cost for the alligator trapping license/harvest permit and two hide validation CITES tags is $271.50 for Florida residents, $21.50 for those with a Florida Resident Persons with Disabilities Hunting and Fishing License, and $1,021.50 for nonresidents. The cost for applicants who already have an alligator trapping license is $61.50.
Phase 2 & 3 for Florida Permits
Any alligator permits remaining after the first phase will be offered during the Phase II random drawing. Applications for Phase II can be submitted May 20-30. Those who were awarded a permit in Phase I may not apply during Phase II. Remaining permits will be available in Phase III to anyone who did not draw a permit in either of the first two phases, and they may be applied for June 3-13.
If any alligator hunting permits remain after Phase III, there will be a fourth-phase issuance period beginning 10 a.m. on June 17 until all permits are sold. Anyone may apply during Phase IV, even if they were awarded a permit in one of the earlier phases, but there is a maximum of 10 permits allowed per person. Customers who are able to purchase additional permits will only be charged $61.50, regardless of residency or disability.
Successful applicants can expect to receive their alligator trapping license/harvest permit and two CITES alligator tags in the mail within six weeks of payment.
Alligator Hunting Classes
To educate Florida alligator hunters on the how-to’s and rules and regulations of the hunt, the FWC offers free training and orientation sessions, which will be held at various locations throughout the state in mid-July and early August. Participants are not required to attend, but first-time alligator hunters are strongly encouraged to go.
Alligator trapping “agent” licenses can also be purchased for $51.50, regardless of residency. This license allows one to participate in a hunt, while assisting and being in the presence of someone who has an alligator trapping license/harvest permit. Youth (ages 15 and younger) are exempt from having to have an alligator trapping agent license. And those possessing a Florida Resident Persons with Disabilities Hunting and Fishing License are exempt from the cost of an agent license, but must still have it to assist in hunting alligators.
Alligator trapping licenses are nontransferable. All sales are final, and no refunds will be given. No other license is required to hunt alligators in Florida.