Hunting in Florida: 5 Things to Know About Hunting on Private Lands

Florida is home to many animals, including more than 700 terrestrial animals. But most of the prime hunting land in Florida falls under private ownership. Many landowners work with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on land management plans to keep their property thriving.

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Once you get permission to hunt, here are six things to know about hunting on private lands in Florida:

1. Hog hunting (feral swine) can be done day or night on private property in Florida. Hunters are also exempt from the state’s recreational hunting license requirement on private lands when hunting hog.

2. Hunting on private land permits the possibility to let hunting dogs run freely. Landowners are required to give hunters written permission to run dogs on their property and hunters must retain that permission notice. Dogs must also be registered with the state and have their registration number, as well as the name and contact information for the owner listed on the dog’s collar. Hunters should carry a copy of the hunting registration. Private landowners will also be notified of the dog’s registration pertaining to their property. Laws about game and firearms still apply on private land.

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3. An antlerless deer permit is not required to take antlerless deer during the antlerless deer season on private lands during archery season and crossbow season, when it coincides with archery season. If an individual owns, leases or has written permission to take antlerless deer on at least 640 acres or not less than 150 acres, and the property is adjoining land already receiving antlerless deer permits, the person may apply for permits. A group with adjoining lands also may apply together provided the total combined acreage is at least 640 acres.

4. The daily limit for turkeys during the spring and fall hunting season, on private lands, is two turkeys.

5. On private land, small game animals, such as rabbit, raccoon, skunk, and fox, may be run with free-running dogs year-round.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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