Florida Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Complete guide to Florida hunting and fishing licenses for 2026. Get current prices, purchase online, and learn about FWC's digital license requirements.
Quick Facts
Digital License
Accepted
License Year
12 months from purchase - 12 months from purchase
Agency
FWC
Draw System
random
HIP Required
Migratory birds
Last updated: January 29, 2026
Florida License Pricing
Compare resident and non-resident prices for hunting and fishing licenses.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting Basic hunting license | $17.00 | $151.50 |
| Resident Fishing Freshwater fishing | $17.00 | $47.00 |
| Gold Sportsman Includes hunting, freshwater/saltwater fishing, and all required permits | $100.00 | N/A |
Prices are for annual licenses unless otherwise noted. Additional stamps and endorsements may be required.
Fish|Hunt FL
Digital licenses accepted via Fish|Hunt FL app. Some users report app crashes - keep paper backup.
Part of GoOutdoors platform family used by multiple states
Known Issues
- App crashes on startup reported
- Login issues during peak seasons
Hunter Passport
All your licenses, one app
Tired of managing multiple state apps? Hunter Passport stores all your Florida licenses alongside every other state - and works completely offline.
- Works offline - no signal needed
- Supports all 50 states
- Quick Display for game wardens
Store up to 2 licenses free. Unlimited with Premium.
Hunter Passport is not affiliated with or endorsed by any state wildlife agency.
Florida Tag Draws & Lotteries
random Point System
All applicants have equal odds regardless of previous applications.
Draw Species
Application Deadline
Varies by hunt - typically June-July for fall hunts
Most hunting is over-the-counter. Quota hunts for specific WMAs require application.
Florida Hunting Quirks & Tips
Unique rules and insider knowledge for hunting and fishing in Florida.
Rolling 12-Month License
importantFlorida licenses are valid for 12 months from date of purchase, not a fixed year. Great flexibility but can be confusing for planning.
Highest Non-Resident Fishing Volume
infoFlorida sells more non-resident fishing licenses than any other state (546K+). Expect crowded waters during peak seasons.
Alligator Lottery Popular
infoThe alligator harvest permit lottery is extremely competitive. Apply early and in multiple units for best odds.
App Reliability Issues
criticalThe Fish|Hunt FL app has a 3.4-star rating with reported crashes. Always carry paper backup, especially for quota hunts.
Hunting Tools for Florida
Free calculators and planning tools to help you hunt smarter in Florida.
Legal Shooting Hours
Calculate legal hunting start and end times based on sunrise/sunset
Hunting License Cost
Compare hunting and fishing license costs for Florida and residency
Hunter Education
Find hunter education requirements, exemptions, and course providers for Florida
Hunting Season Dates
Find hunting season dates for Florida, species, and weapon type
Bag Limit & Size Limit
Find daily, possession, and size limits for Florida and species
Florida Hunting & Fishing FAQ
How much does a Florida hunting license cost?
Resident hunting licenses cost $17, while non-resident annual licenses cost $151.50. The Gold Sportsman package at $100 includes all hunting, fishing, and permit privileges for residents.
Does Florida accept digital hunting licenses?
Yes, Florida accepts digital licenses through the Fish|Hunt FL app. However, some users report app crashes, so carrying a paper backup is recommended.
When does the Florida hunting license expire?
Florida licenses are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, not a fixed calendar or fiscal year. This rolling expiration provides flexibility.
What is the Florida Gold Sportsman license?
The Gold Sportsman is a $100 package for Florida residents that includes hunting, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, and all required permits including wildlife management area, archery, muzzleloading gun, crossbow, deer, turkey, snook, lobster, and waterfowl permits.
How do I apply for a Florida alligator permit?
Alligator harvest permits are allocated through a random lottery. Apply online through GoOutdoors Florida during the application period (typically spring). Permits are specific to harvest units across the state.
Store Your Florida License in Hunter Passport
Keep your Florida hunting and fishing licenses alongside all your other states. Works offline, displays instantly, never fumble for paper again.