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Alligator Harvest Permits

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 Harvest Management Units (delineated areas that contain sovereign waters and/or publicly-owned properties, and county-wide units) are established with appropriate harvest quotas to provide recreational opportunities for Floridians, and non-residents, to take up to 2 alligators per permit.

THIS YEAR THE PERMITS ARE SOLD OUT
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This season’s hunting period runs Aug. 15 through Nov. 1 with more than 4,000 alligator harvest permits available on a first-come, first served basis. Also, permit holders will be able to purchase additional permits if they are still available, but only one permit can be purchased per transaction.

Sale of these permits begins 10 a.m. (EDT) June 15, 2006. Applicants have their preference of applying at any county tax collector’s office, license agent (retail outlet that sells hunting and fishing licenses), click here to buy your license online or call toll-free 1-888-HUNT FLORIDA (486-8356).

To reserve a permit, applicants must submit payment for an alligator trapping license and two alligator-hide validation tags, or provide proof of a valid alligator trapping license (must be valid through Nov. 1) plus pay the fee for the two hide validation tags. No other hunting licenses or permits are required.

RESIDENT alligator trapping license and hide validation tags is $271.50
NONRESIDENTS pay $1,021.50.
Additional Permits is $61.50 regardless of residency.

All persons seeking a harvest permit must be at least 18 years of age by Aug. 15, 2006, and all sales are final.

Any hunter who takes an alligator must complete and send in an Alligator Harvest Report Form. The information gathered from these forms enables FWC biologists to monitor population trends and impacts of the annual harvest.

An alligator trapping agent license also is available for $51.50, which allows the license holder to assist a trapper in taking alligators, but only when in the presence of the permitted trapper.

To educate participants on the rules and regulations of the hunts, the FWC offers a no-cost, three-hour training and orientation program at locations throughout the state. Permit recipients are not required to attend, but first-time participants are strongly encouraged to do so. Courses will be offered in July and August, and permit holders will receive, by mail, permit packages listing exact dates and locations. For more information on how to get involved in these exciting alligator hunts, visit http://myfwc.com/gators/public.htm