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Antlerless Deer Permit

All antlerless deer taken on lands enrolled in the Antlerless Deer Permit Program must be tagged with an issued antlerless deer tag, even if they are harvested on a day when the take of antlerless deer is otherwise allowed within the zone in which the enrolled lands are located (e.g., archery season). In addition, they must be recorded on the harvest log of and reported to the FWC’s harvest reporting system by the hunter who harvested the deer.

The application periods begin May 15, 2023. The deadlines to apply are:

Zone A: July 17, 2023

Zone B: October 02, 2023

Zone C: August 28, 2023

Zone D: October 09, 2023

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

After the season ends, permittees must report the total number of antlerless deer taken on his or her enrolled properties by April 1. Before you can renew your permit, you must harvest by the deadline.

Antlerless deer harvested under Antlerless Deer Permit Program permits are excluded from annual statewide bag, daily bag and possession limits.

What is an Antlerless Deer?

An antlerless deer is any deer, except a spotted fawn, without antlers or whose antlers are less than five inches in length.

What is the Antlerless Deer Permit Program?

The Antlerless Deer Permit Program is a program for properties meeting minimum acreage requirements. The permit and associated tags issued under this program authorize the harvest of a specific number of antlerless deer on the enrolled property during the established deer hunting season.

What this permit allows:

Taking antlerless deer during the established deer hunting season on the property identified in the permit as specified in the conditions of the permit.

What this permit does NOT allow:

  • Taking antlerless deer on any property not identified in the permit.
  • Taking antlerless deer outside of the established deer hunting seasons for the zone where the enrolled property is located.

Requirements and conditions:

  1. Applicants must own or lease or otherwise have written permission to take antlerless deer on specifically identified lands at least 640 contiguous acres or not less than 150 contiguous acres if adjoining land with a current antlerless deer permit or Private Lands Deer Management permit. A group of adjoining landowners or persons who have written permission to take antlerless deer on specifically identified lands may apply together, provided the total combined acreage is at least 640 contiguous acres or not less than 150 contiguous acres if adjoining land with a current antlerless deer permit or Private Lands Deer Management permit.
  2. Applicants who cultivate agricultural crops and have been issued a Deer Depredation Permit within the past year to take deer for crop-depredation control are exempt from minimum acreage requirements.
  3. All deer shall be taken only by persons possessing a valid hunting license and required permits (unless exempt from license and permit requirements) in accordance with established bag and possession limits, and only during established deer hunting seasons and hours.
  4. All antlerless deer taken on lands enrolled in the Antlerless Deer Permit Program must be tagged with an issued antlerless deer tag before moving the deer from the point of harvest.  In addition, hunters who harvest deer are required to record in their harvest log information such as their name, date of harvest, sex of the deer, and county or wildlife management area where harvested.  Additionally, this and possibly some additional information, must be reported to the FWC’s harvest reporting system within 24 hours of harvest and prior to: a) final processing of the deer, b) any parts of the deer being transferred to any meat processor or taxidermist, and c) the deer leaving the state.
  5. After the season ends, permittees must report the total number of antlerless deer taken on his or her enrolled properties by April 1.
  6. Commission personnel, at their discretion, shall be granted access to lands described in the permit to ensure compliance with these requirements.
  7. Failure to comply with these requirements would be a violation of Rule 68A-13.004, Florida Administrative Code and may result in a citation.

Antlerless Deer Harvest Reporting:

Follow these steps to report your antlerless deer harvests:

  • Navigate to PermitMe
  • Select “Antlerless Deer (AD) Permit”
  • Login using any of the available methods
  • Select “View/Submit Harvest Report”
  • Enter the number of female and antlerless male deer harvested under the Antlerless Deer Permit and click the “Save” button.

Information you should have available to apply for this permit:

  1. Information about the property being enrolled, including a property description map showing the location of the property and boundaries.  All maps should be clearly outlined and labeled with the property name and applicable permit or application details, including roadways leading to the property.
    Note: Please review these map samples to better understand the preferred map documentation.
  2. Contact information for the landowner(s) is required on the application.  If the applicant is not the landowner, a copy of the hunting lease or other written permission to take antlerless deer on the property from the landowner is also required.
  3. If applying using a Deer Depredation Permit, a copy of the permit is also required.

When to apply:

Applications for antlerless deer permits are accepted online.  Application periods vary based on the first day of the archery season in the hunting zone where the property is located. 

The application periods begin May 15, 2023. The deadlines to apply are:

Zone A: July 17, 2023

Zone B: October 02, 2023

Zone C: August 28, 2023

Zone D: October 09, 2023

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

How to apply for this permit:

  1. Click on Apply Online for Antlerless Deer Permit below to be directed to the login screen.
  2. Returning customers (who have previously applied online for an FWC antlerless deer permit for private lands or other specialized permit or certification) may enter their username and password, or other identifying information, to login.  Those who have not previously applied for an FWC permit should click on Register to create an account.
  3. Once logged in, returning permit holders should click on their AD number and Renew.  Those who have not previously applied for an antlerless deer permit should choose Apply for a New Permit/Registration.
  4. Enter and upload all requested information for the current season application.  Previous permit holders will receive the same permit number from prior seasons when applying as a renewal and previous details will be available.
  5. Submit your application. 

What happens next:

  1. Your application will be reviewed by FWC staff.
  2. If you provided an email address, you will receive notifications, including approval or requests for additional information.  If you do not supply an email address, please return to the site periodically to determine your status.
  3. Once your permit is approved, you will be mailed a copy of the permit along with the designated number of tags.  You may also sign on to the application site using the Apply Online button below to access and print the permit.
  4. After printing the document, read and sign the permit.  

Application Resources

For fastest processing apply online on May 15.

Apply Online for Antlerless Deer Permit

Map Samples

Hunting Zone and Deer Management Unit Map

See the FAQs about new hunting rules for more information.

For assistance with an application, please call the Office of Licensing and Permitting at 850-488-3641.

 

Antlerless Deer Permit Requirements for Wildlife Management Areas

Many wildlife management areas allow the harvest of antlerless deer during the archery season.  Check specific area regulations for more information. 

Antlerless deer permits for some wildlife management areas are issued through the quota hunt program.  Read more about antlerless deer quota permits.