Deer / Bear Dog Registration
A no-cost deer/bear dog registration is required for any person using dogs to take, attempt to take, trail, or pursue deer or bear on private property in Florida. Once issued, the registration number must be on or attached to the collar of any dog used on the property identified in the registration.
Upcoming season applications and renewals can be submitted beginning July 1.
What this registration allows:
Deer: Use of free-running dogs to take, attempt to take, trail, or pursue deer on the property identified in the registration during the deer dog training season and any open deer hunting season where the taking of deer with dogs is permitted, in accordance with Rule 68A-12.007, F.A.C., and the conditions of a valid deer dog registration.
Bear: Use of free-running dogs to take, attempt to take, trail, or pursue bear on the property identified in the registration, BUT ONLY during the bear dog training season in accordance with Rule 68A-12.007, F.A.C., and the conditions of a valid deer dog registration. NOTE: This registration is ONLY valid for private lands within established bear harvest zones. NOTE 2: For 2026 this registration only allows the use of dogs to pursue bears on the registered private property during the zonal deer dog/bear dog training seasons. Effective for 2027, this registration will allow the use of dogs to pursue bears under a Bear Harvest Permit on the registered private property.
What this registration does not allow:
Use of any free-running dog to take, attempt to take, trail, or pursue deer/bear on properties not identified in the registration.
Requirements and conditions:
- The registration requirement is in addition to all existing rules regarding the use of dogs for hunting including the hunter responsibility and road hunting rules.
- Registration can be issued to the landowner or any other individual who has rights to hunt the property as designated by the landowner in a hunting lease or by written permission.
- No person using a dog for taking, attempting to take, trailing or pursuing deer/bear shall allow dogs off the property identified in the registration, whether intentionally or negligently.
- All persons using dogs to take attempt to take, trail or pursue deer/bear on the property identified in the registration shall be in possession of a copy of the registration.
- All dogs used for taking, attempting to take, trailing or pursuing or deer/bear on the property identified in the registration shall have the entire registration number legibly displayed on the collar of the dog or on an attachment to the collar of the dog. NOTE: To keep the same registration number each year, you must register as a Renewal.
- Failure to comply with these registration requirements would be a violation of FWC rule and may result in a citation.
Items needed to apply for this registration:
- Information about the property being hunted with dogs, 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 permit details, including roadways leading to the property.
Note: Please review these map samples to better understand the preferred map documentation. - Contact information for the landowner(s) is required on the application and landowner permission is required with each year’s application.
- If the applicant is not the landowner, a copy of a hunting lease or written permission from the landowner for hunting the property is also required.
When to apply:
Applicants can apply for deer/bear dog registration online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com beginning on July 1 and until 30 days prior to the final day of general gun season in the hunting zone where the property is located.
Applicants registering from the prior year will receive the same registration number issued the previous year when registering as a Renewal.
How to apply for this registration (User Guide):
- Click on Apply Online for Deer/Bear Dog Registration below to be directed to the login screen.
- Returning customers (who have previously applied online for an FWC deer/bear dog registration or other recreational permit or certification) may login. Those who have not previously applied for an FWC permit, click on Create Account.
- Once logged in, returning permit holders should select Customer Applications and find their DD Permit and Renew. Those who have not previously applied for a deer/bear dog registration should choose Apply.
- Enter and upload all requested information for the current season application. Previous permit holders will receive the same permit number from prior seasons when registering as a Renewal and previous details will be available.
- Submit the application.
What happens next:
- Applications will be reviewed by FWC staff.
- Applicants will receive notifications, including approval or requests for additional information, to the email address provided on their customer account.
- Once the registration is approved, customers may access/print at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
- After printing/receiving the document, read and sign the registration. Remember: A copy of this registration must be in the physical possession of any person who is on the property and using dogs to take deer/bear and must be presented to any law enforcement officer upon request. The registration number must be on or attached to the collar of any dog used for taking deer/bear on the registered property.
If you have questions or need assistance, call (855) 779-5907.
Upcoming season applications and renewals can be submitted beginning July 1.