Hunter Safety Certification Deferral

Anyone 16 years or older and born after May 31, 1975, can purchase a hunting license and hunt under the supervision of a qualified hunter without having to complete the state's hunter safety certification. When purchasing your hunting license just check the box requesting a deferral from the hunter safety certification requirement.

Hunters requesting a deferral from the hunter safety certification requirement must be supervised by an adult, 21 years old or older, who has a valid hunting license or is exempt from the hunting license requirement and who has met the hunter safety requirement or is exempt from the hunter safety requirement.

The deferral from the hunter safety certification requirement was passed by the Florida Legislature to allow people to experience hunting with an adult mentor. It is designed to encourage experienced hunters to teach novice hunters about safety, ethics, wildlife, hunting skills and respect for Florida's outdoors.

New and experienced hunters are encouraged to take a hunter safety course to learn more about conservation and safe, responsible hunting. In addition, successfully completing a hunter safety course is required before anyone 16 years old and older is allowed to hunt without being supervised by an adult 21 years old or older.