What you need to know about Florida’s alligator hunting program

Since 1988, Florida’s statewide alligator harvest has been nationally and internationally recognized as a model program for the sustainable use of a natural resource. Each year, alligator management units are established with appropriate harvest quotas to provide recreational opportunities for Floridians and non-residents who are at least 18 years old to take up to 2 alligators per permit.

Applicants who are awarded a permit must pay for two CITES tags and an Alligator Trapping License, or provide proof of possession of an Alligator Trapping License valid through the end of the alligator harvest season. A Florida hunting license is not required to participate in the statewide alligator hunt.

Program News and Information

If you submitted a Statewide Alligator Hunt application during phases I, II and III of the application period, you can check your application status at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. If you were successful in the random drawing, your credit or debit card will be charged for the permit and tag fees, and you will be emailed a receipt. You can expect to receive a package in the mail with your license, permit and two CITES tags within six weeks.

Phase IV of the application process for Statewide Alligator Harvest Permits will begin at 10 AM on June 27. Permits will be issued on a first-come first-served basis, and persons who have been issued a permit in a previous phase can purchase additional permits. Check GoOutdoorsFlorida.com to see what permits are available, and login to your account to apply.

For more information on alligator hunting, read the Guide to Alligator Hunting in Florida.

Online Alligator Harvest Report Form for Statewide Alligator Harvest Program participants. You must know your FWC Customer ID number to access your records. This ID number is printed on the upper left side of your Alligator Trapping License and can be found on your hunting and fishing licenses. If you complete the online form, then you do not have to mail in a hard copy form, unless you transfer your alligator carcass to a commercial alligator processor, then you must also complete or print out a hard copy of the alligator harvest report form, and a copy of this form must be transferred with the carcass.

The 2015 revision of Florida Statute 379.3751 provides for exemptions for Alligator Trapping Agent’s licenses for persons under the age of 16 and fee exemptions for those with a valid FWC Resident Disability License; those with a disability license will still need to apply for a no-cost agent’s license.

These exemptions do not include senior citizens. Alligator Trapping Agent’s licenses ($52) may be purchased at any county tax collector’s office, sub-agent location (authorized sporting goods store or other retailer selling hunting or fishing licenses), through the Internet, or by calling 1-888-347-4356. Upon purchase these licenses can be used immediately. Anyone with an Alligator Trapping Agent’s license can help any licensed and permitted alligator trapper. Agents may only take alligators in the presence of a permitted alligator trapper.