After the Harvest
CITES Tag
Immediately after the alligator is dead, you must attach your alligator CITES tag within 6 inches of the tip of its tail. Cut a slit through the tail, slide the tag through the slit and securely lock the tag. Make sure to pull hard on the tag to confirm it is locked securely. The CITES tag must remain in place on the tail until the alligator’s hide is tanned, mounted by a taxidermist or made into alligator products.
Alligator Harvest Report Form
Within 24 hours of harvesting an alligator and prior to taking it to an alligator processing facility, you must complete an alligator harvest report form. You can complete the alligator harvest report form online or by submitting a printed hardcopy. However, if you transfer your alligator to an alligator processor or anyone else, you MUST complete the hardcopy form. You then can either mail the white copy of the form to the FWC or report your harvest online. The yellow copy is to be retained by the hunter, and the pink copy goes to the processor or person that the alligator is transferred to.
Information you will be asked when reporting your harvest includes:
- Date harvested
- County and location
- Total length (If you happen to take an alligator that measures 14 feet or greater, please call 352-357-0190, so the FWC can take an official measurement.)
- Tail girth
- Sex (If you know this)
- Pounds of meat yielded (If you processed the alligator yourself)
Take tail girth measurement at the third scute row behind its back legs.
Completed Alligator Harvest Report Forms can be mailed to:
FWC Alligator Management Program
1239 SW 10th Street
Ocala, FL 34471
Note: a copy of your completed form must accompany your alligator hide at all times.
Unused CITES Tags
You will need to mail back any unused alligator CITES tags by Nov. 22 to:
FWC Alligator Management Program
1239 SW 10th Street
Ocala, FL 34471
Recommendations for returning unused tags:
- Cut the large end from the tag before mailing
- Use a padded or cardboard envelope to ensure it is returned and not lost or damaged in transit
- Make sure that proper postage is applied, or your envelope may be returned
- Use a delivery service with package tracking
Frequently Asked Questions
Many alligators the FWC captures for research purposes are tagged. If you happen to harvest one of these tagged alligators, please call 352-357-0190. Data such as body measurements and harvest location provide FWC biologists with valuable information.
You are allowed to sell the meat only if it was processed by a licensed alligator processing facility. Green hides, meaning those that have not been tanned, may only be sold to licensed fur and hide dealers. Find a list of licensed Florida alligator meat processors and hide dealers.
Tanned hides as well as skeletal parts (including skulls) may be sold to anyone. But records must be kept showing who the parts were transferred to.
You will need to mail back any unused alligator CITES tags by Nov. 22 to:
FWC Alligator Management Program
1239 SW 10th Street
Ocala, FL 34471
Recommendations for returning unused tags:
- Cut the large end from the tag before mailing
- Use a padded or cardboard envelope to ensure it is returned and not lost or damaged in transit
- Make sure that proper postage is applied, or your envelope may be returned
- Use a delivery service with package tracking