Statewide Alligator Hunt Permit
A Statewide Alligator Hunt Permit is a type of limited entry permit required to participate in the Statewide Alligator Harvest Program. The Statewide Alligator Hunt is a highly sought after limited entry hunt; there are often more than 15,000 applicants that will apply for approximately 7,000 permits.
Each successful statewide alligator hunt applicant will receive an Alligator Trapping License, an area specific harvest permit, and two CITES tags, authorizing the holder to harvest two alligators. The harvest areas and hunt dates are specific for each permit, and the permit specifies the boundaries or limitations of the harvest area. The statewide alligator hunting season begins on August 15 and ends on November 1. The first four weeks of the season are divided into four quota weeks, and each permit is assigned one of those weeks.
Applicants who are awarded a Statewide Alligator Hunt permit will be charged automatically. The Alligator Trapping License/Permit and two CITES tags will be mailed to the successful applicants within six weeks of purchase.
A Florida hunting or fishing license is not required to participate in the statewide alligator hunt.
Cost (All Sales are Final – No Refunds): There is no cost to apply, but credit card information must be submitted with each application. The card used will be pre-authorized prior to the drawing and charged automatically if successful (please see Pre-Authorization Process and Drawing Results sections below for more information). Handling fees may also apply.
Alligator Trapping License/Permit/two CITES tags for Florida Residents: $272.00
Alligator Trapping License/Permit/two CITES tags for Non-Residents: $1,022.00
Alligator Trapping License/Permit/two CITES tags for Resident Disability Hunt/Fish License Holders: $22.00. NOTE: Residents over 65 who have previously held a Florida Resident Persons with Disabilities Hunting and Fishing License and need to renew it should reach out to CustomerService@myfwc.com before applying for the statewide alligator harvest to avoid being charged $272.
Permit/two CITES tags for customers who already have an Alligator Trapping License valid through Nov. 1: $62.00
Requirements to Apply: Applicants must be 18 years old by August 15.
Applications and Permit Issuance: Applicants may submit one application per phase and receive up to one permit in Phase I, II, or III of the application process. Those successful in any one of the first three phases cannot apply for additional permits until Phase IV Leftovers. In the Phase IV Leftovers period, applicants can be awarded up to 10 permits cumulatively. Permits are issued by random drawing during Phase I, II, and III and issued on a first-come, first-served basis in Phase IV Leftovers.
Exemptions: Customers with a valid FWC Resident Disability License are exempt from the cost of an Alligator Trapping Agent License but must obtain the license at no cost to assist a permitted trapper on a hunt. Non-participating passengers in a boat with alligator trappers are not required to be licensed.
Groups: There are no group applications for Statewide Alligator Hunt permits. However, each permit allows the permit holder to have an unlimited number of properly licensed alligator trapping agents and alligator trapping license holders assist in the hunt.
Preference Points: There are no preference points for this permit type.
Transferability: Statewide Alligator Hunt permits are not transferable.
How to Apply: Applicants can apply online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com (sign on and choose “Apply for Limited Entry/Quota Permit”) or by completing the Application Worksheet and presenting it to any license agent or tax collector’s office. Each applicant may make up to 12 choices on an application in Phase I and II, up to five choices on an application in the Phase III, and one choice per application in Phase IV Leftovers. A valid credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover) must be included with each application and the card will be pre-authorized and charged automatically if the applicant is successful in the drawing.
Importance of Residency at Time of Application: Residency status is established at the time of application and will be used throughout the issuance process. If residency status changes the application must be cancelled and resubmitted with updated residency information (see How to Cancel or Change an Application below). Residents who do not hold a Florida driver’s license or identification card cannot use the online system to apply as a resident and must instead apply in-person at a license agent or tax collector’s office with alternate proof of residency.
How to Cancel or Change an Application: Applicants can opt to cancel a submitted application during the open application period for Phases I, II, and III. An application may be resubmitted to update residency status, application choices, and/or credit or debit card information. To cancel an application, a customer can log into their customer account at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, click “Cancel” next to the Statewide Alligator Hunt application under “Permit Applications” and enter their full social security number to verify the cancellation. Once an application is cancelled, a new one may be submitted.
Pre-Authorization Process: A valid credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover) must be submitted with each application. At the time of the random drawing an authorization check is done on all submitted cards to determine whether there are sufficient funds available if successful in the drawing. If there are sufficient funds to cover all applicable fees, the application is authorized for the lottery; if the account has insufficient funds to cover the fees, the application cannot be authorized and will be unsuccessful in the drawing. During this authorization check, each applicant may see a pending authorization on their account; this does not mean the applicant is successful but is simply part of the authorization check.
Note: Applicants should be mindful of the policies of their financial institution regarding authorizations, pending charges, timeframes for releasing holds, and overdraft fees.
Drawing Results: After pre-authorization and the random drawing applicants who are successful will be automatically charged for all applicable fees. Unsuccessful applicants will have all authorizations and/or holds lifted from their accounts. The results of the authorization and random drawing will be posted on customer accounts at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
Note: All sales are final and there will be no refunds available or offered for successful applicants.
How to Get the Permit: Successful applicants who have provided a valid email address will receive a receipt of payment. All award winners can expect to receive their Alligator Trapping License/permit/two CITES tags by mail within six weeks of each drawing.
Note: Applicants should ensure that the mailing address on file is accurate and up to date to ensure any mailed permits arrive in a timely manner.
Reprints: Alligator Trapping Licenses and permits can only be reprinted by the FWC Office of Licensing and Permitting upon written request from the permit holder. Any customers who request reprints must allow at least 10 business days to receive the replacement permit and tags. Receipts, temporary license numbers, and printed copies of Internet pages may not be used as a Statewide Alligator Hunt permit.
Guests: There are no guest permits available for the Statewide Alligator Hunt; however, a permit holder may have appropriately licensed individuals assist in the hunt. The permit holder must be present on the hunt and each assistant must either hold a valid Alligator Trapping License (for any harvest unit) or Alligator Trapping Agent License. Those wishing to assist in this way can purchase an Alligator Trapping Agent license for $52 anywhere licenses are sold. Non-participating passengers in a boat with alligator trappers are not required to be licensed. However, individuals who are age 15 or younger are not required to have an agent license to participate.
Reporting Requirements: By the end of the Statewide Alligator hunting season, permit holders must report their harvest using an Alligator Harvest Report Form. Unused tags must also be returned to the FWC, and failure to comply may result in exclusion from participation in the statewide alligator program for a period of one year.
Alligator Violations: No person who has been convicted of any violation of s. 379.409 or s. 379.3015 or the rules of the commission relating to the illegal taking of crocodilian species shall be eligible for issuance of a license for a period of 5 years subsequent to such conviction. In the event such violation involves the unauthorized taking of an endangered crocodilian species, no license shall be issued for 10 years subsequent to the conviction. Any false statement will render the permit void and will subject the applicant to prosecution under applicable law.