Statewide Alligator Harvest Program
Resources to Apply for Alligator Harvest Permits
Application Dates
All application periods open at 10 a.m. Eastern on the first day of the application period listed and run through 11:59 p.m. on the final day.
Phase I Applications 5/07/2021 – 5/17/2021
Phase II Applications 5/21/2021 – 5/31/2021
Phase III Applications 6/04/2021 – 6/14/2021
Phase IV Leftovers 6/17/2021 – until filled or final hunt date
Planning Tools
- Application Worksheet
- Harvest Unit Map and Listing
- Learn about applying for alligator harvest permits.
STA Updates
South Florida Water Management District is undertaking major construction projects this year at STA-1W and STA 2 on behalf of their mission to safeguard and restore south Florida’s water resources. The heavy equipment traffic associated with levee/ditch work and vegetation removal means a portion of STA-1W South and all of STA-1W North and STA 2 are closed to alligator hunting during 2021.
Tools and Resources
About the Program
Since 1988, Florida's statewide alligator harvest has been nationally and internationally recognized as a model program for the sustainable use of a natural resource. Each year, alligator management units are established with appropriate harvest quotas to provide recreational opportunities for Floridians and non-residents who are at least 18 years old to take up to 2 alligators per permit. Applicants who are awarded a permit must pay for two CITES tags and an Alligator Trapping License, or provide proof of possession of an Alligator Trapping License valid through the end of the alligator harvest season. A Florida hunting license is not required to participate in the statewide alligator hunt.
Program Update
Important! The 2015 revision of Florida Statute 379.3751 provides for exemptions for Alligator Trapping Agent's licenses for persons under the age of 16 and fee exemptions for those with a valid FWC Resident Disability License; those with a disability license will still need to apply for a no-cost agent's license. These exemptions do not include senior citizens. Alligator Trapping Agent’s licenses ($52) may be purchased at any county tax collector's office, sub-agent location (authorized sporting goods store or other retailer selling hunting or fishing licenses), via GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, or by calling 1-888-347-4356. Upon purchase these licenses can be used immediately. Anyone with an Alligator Trapping Agent’s license can help any licensed and permitted alligator trapper. Agents may only take alligators in the presence of a permitted alligator trapper.
Get Ready for Alligator Season
Alligator trapping license/harvest permit holders can get ready to take part in Florida's alligator harvest by checking out the Guide to Alligator Hunting in Florida and Alligator Harvest Training and Orientation video course.
If you're hunting a stormwater treatment area (STA), please review this important STA information before you go.
Plus, see the links below for alligator harvest unit maps and lists of guides and outfitters, meat processors and hide buyers, equipment vendors, public boat ramps and more.
Alligator Harvest Training and Orientation Video
NEW! Take the FREE Alligator Harvest Training and Orientation video course to learn about rules and regulations, equipment and methods, safety, processing tips, and more.
Information for County-wide Alligator Harvest Permit holders
- Frequently Asked Questions
County-wide alligator harvest permit holders should read this document. - Statewide Alligator Harvest Data Search
Many records contain the location of harvest, so you can search for bodies of water that have been hunted under a county-wide permit in past years. - Florida DOT County Maps
The color PDF maps show incorporated areas and are a great resource for persons with a county-wide alligator harvest permit. - USGS topographic maps, free for download
(Click on "Map Locator Tool")
Information about specific Alligator Harvest Units
- Updates on the Open/Closed Status of FWC-managed Areas.
- The alligator hunt on the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Palm Beach County is more restrictive than other areas. The additional restrictions are detailed in the A.R.M. Loxahatchee NWR alligator hunting brochure
- Lake Okeechobee Boat Ramps (US Army Corps of Engineers)