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Deer Depredation Permits

Apply for Deer Depredation Permits

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About Deer Depredation Permits

Deer Depredation Permits (DDEP) authorize the lethal take of deer causing damage to crops or property where less lethal means of control are either ineffective or not feasible.

NOTE: These permits are only issued to landowners or authorized lessees of properties used for agricultural purposes.

Landowners or lessees are encouraged to explore long-term solutions for deer damage, such as:

  • Building deer-proof fencing
  • Using deer repellents
  • Allowing either-sex hunting during the established deer hunting season

Antlerless deer tags may be issued through the Antlerless Deer Permit Program for use during established deer seasons to help manage deer damage.

Individuals seeking additional information on nonlethal options for controlling deer damage or conflicts can contact a Wildlife Assistance Biologist at their local FWC Regional Office.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Authorizes the killing of deer that are causing damage to crops or property.
  2. Permittees may take deer with rifles of .223 caliber or larger, shotguns using slugs or buckshot, or with bows/crossbows.
  3. Taking of deer either during daylight hours or with the aid of a light at night.
  4. Deer taken under this permit may be removed and possessed off the permitted property, except carcass parts prohibited by the permit (see below), provided the deer is tagged with a valid depredating deer tag issued by the Commission. The carcass of such a deer, minus head and antlers, may be processed for personal use. The antlers and head must also be left at the depredation site except if they are being transported for CWD testing.
  1. The discharge of firearms in areas not allowed by state law, county ordinances, or court injunctions/orders.
  2. The possession of firearms by individuals not allowed by state law or court injunctions/orders.
  3. The possession or mounting of antlers and/or cape from any antlered deer taken under this permit. The antlers and head must be left at the depredation site.
  4. A fee to be charged to anyone to participate in the permitted activities.
  5. The sale of any wildlife or parts of wildlife taken under this permit.
  6. The taking of deer:
    • not listed on the permit,
    • not on the property listed on the permit,
    • away from the immediate area where the damage is taking place, or
    • outside of the specified dates on permit

You can apply for a deer depredation permit year-round when deer damage is occurring or no more than 60 days before planting crops.

  1. Name, date of birth, address and contact telephone number of the permit holder and landowner.
  2. Property or tract name and county.
  3. The Parcel ID of your property(s).  You can find your Parcel ID(s) on your property tax statement or through the county’s property records website.
  4. Description of crop type and anticipated harvest date.
  5. Detailed description of damage occurring.
  6. E-mail address: To receive notification of application status, the applicant will need to supply an e-mail address. If an e-mail address is not provided, the applicant may return to the application Web site periodically to determine if the permit was approved. If approved, the permit holder may print the permit to kill depredating deer, but the deer may not be removed from the property until the tags have been received from the local FWC Regional Office.
  7. A printer and latest version of Adobe Reader

Yes, but you cannot accept compensation from them to participate in permitted activities. They also must have written authorization from the permittee and a copy of the permit in their possession.

Yes, unless exempt.

30 days after expected crop harvest or when the crop has been harvested, whichever comes first.

No.

  • For assistance with navigating GoOutdoorsFlorida.com and applying for a Deer Depredation Permit, please call 855-779-5907.
  • For questions about permit application status or non-lethal resolutions for deer conflict, please contact your local FWC Regional Office.
  • For general questions about the program, please contact Becky Peters at Rebecca.Peters@MyFWC.com or 352-226-0753.