Crocodile Hunting in Florida [Updated Rules And Regulations 2023]

Hunting is a growing trend in Florida, and it’s not just for deer or turkey. There’s a growing demand for the most exotic game – alligators and crocodiles. Although both species have been hunted since early settlers arrived in the area, there are strict rules and regulations that must be followed. In this blog post, we will explore the updated rules and regulations for hunting crocodiles in Florida as of 2023.

We’ll also discuss how to get started, what kind of gear you need, where to find hunting grounds, and more. So if you’ve ever wanted to take on this thrilling adventure, read on to learn everything you need to know before taking your first shot.

Crocodile Hunting Laws in Florida

In Florida, it is currently legal to hunt American alligators on private property with proper permits. The FWC approves nuisance alligator harvest permit requests to help alleviate problems caused by alligators on private property. Alligator hunting is not allowed on public lands in Florida.

The following are a few general guidelines for crocodile hunting in Florida:

All hunters must have a valid hunting license.
A permit is required to hunt alligators on private property

Alligators may only be hunted at night, and only with artificial light
Alligators must be killed humanely, and should be dispatched with a clean shot to the brain or spine
All harvested alligators must be reported to the FWC within 24 hours

Do You Need A License To Hunt Crocodiles In Florida?

In order to hunt crocodiles in Florida, you must first obtain a license from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The FWC offers two types of licenses for crocodile hunting: a general resident license and a non-resident license.

If you are a Florida resident, you must have a valid hunting or fishing license in order to apply for a crocodile hunting license. If you are a non-resident, you must have a valid out-of-state hunting or fishing license.

In addition, all hunters must complete an online Crocodile Hunter Safety Course before applying for a license.

Once you have obtained a license, there are several rules and regulations that you must follow in order to hunt crocodiles safely and legally.

First, you can only hunt crocodiles during the open season, which runs from November 1st through April 30th. You are also required to use certain types of equipment when hunting, including bang sticks, harpoons, gigs, snares, and traps.

It is important to note that guns and firearms are not allowed when hunting crocodiles.

When choosing a location to hunt, you should be aware that there are areas where crocodile hunting is not allowed. These areas include all state parks, wildlife management areas, and national wildlife refuges.

In addition, there are some specific areas within these locations where crocodiling hunting is prohibited due to safety concerns. You can find more information about these restricted areas on the

Crocodile Hunting Seasons in Florida

Crocodiles are only found in the southernmost tip of Florida, specifically in and around the Everglades. Because of this, crocodile hunting is only allowed in certain areas and during specific times of year.

The primary crocodile hunting season in Florida runs from November 1st through April 30th. During this time, hunters can take up to two crocodiles per day. There is also an additional hunting season that runs from May 1st through October 31st, but during this time only one crocodile can be taken per day.

Crocodiles must be at least 4 feet long to be legally harvested, and all hunts must be conducted using firearms or crossbows. It is illegal to use any type of explosive device to kill a crocodile.

All harvested crocodiles must be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission within 24 hours, and the carcasses must be turned over to them for inspection.

Can You Hunt Crocodiles At Night In Florida?

Yes, you can hunt crocodiles at night in Florida. There are no specific regulations regarding hunting crocodiles at night, but there are some general guidelines that you should follow.

First, be sure to check with the local authorities to make sure that it is legal to hunt crocodiles in your area.

Second, always use a spotlight when hunting crocodiles at night so that you can see the animal and avoid being surprised by its size or aggression.

Finally, be sure to use proper safety equipment when hunting crocodiles, such as a life jacket and a boat with a motor.

Bag Limits For Hunting Crocodiles In Florida

The Sunshine State is home to more than 1.3 million alligators, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) allows a limited number of these reptiles to be harvested each year. Alligator hunting season runs from August 15 – November 1 each year, and during this time, hunters can take two alligators per person, per permit.

Alligator hunting is restricted to specific areas within Florida, as the FWC strives to maintain a healthy alligator population throughout the state. A map of these zones is available on the FWC website.

When applying for an alligator hunting permit, applicants must choose one of three methods: private land with landowner permission, statewide harvest or quota-regulated hunts.

Private Land with Landowner Permission – This method allows anyone with written permission from a landowner or leaseholder to hunt on their property during the regular season. The advantage of this method is that there are no application deadlines or lottery drawings; however, interested hunters should note that only a limited number of people are allowed on the property at any given time.

Statewide Harvest – This method gives successful applicants the opportunity to hunt anywhere in Florida that is open to alligator hunting during the regular season (August 15 – November 1). Up to 5,000 permits are available through a random computer drawing held each April. To apply for this permit, interested hunters must submit an application online or by mail between March 1-31 each

Legal Ways To Hunt Crocodiles In Florida

In Florida, there are three main ways you can legally hunt crocodiles: with a permit from the FWC, on a licensed alligator farm, or with permission from a landowner.

Apply for a crocodile hunting permit from the FWC.

To be eligible for a crocodile hunting permit in Florida, you must first complete an online training course and pass a written exam. The cost of the permit is $272, and it is valid for one year. You can renew your permit as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. When applying for your permit, you will need to specify the county or counties where you wish to hunt.

Get permission to hunt on a licensed alligator farm.

In Florida, there are many alligator farms that allow hunting on their property. To find a list of licensed alligator farms, you can search the FWC website. Once you have found a farm that interests you, contact the owner to get permission to hunt there.

Get permission from a landowner to hunt on their property.

If you know someone who owns property in an area where crocodiles live, you may be able to get permission to hunt on their land. Before asking for permission, make sure that the landowner is comfortable with firearms and knows about your hunting experience.

Can You Hunt Crocodiles From A Vehicle In Florida?

In Florida, you cannot hunt crocodiles from a vehicle. You must be on foot to attempt to take one of these reptiles. The same goes for alligators; however, there is an exception if you are in a boat and the animal is at least 10 feet long. If so, you are allowed to shoot the alligator from the vessel.

Final Thoughts

As a reminder, in order to hunt crocodiles in Florida, you must have a permit. The cost for the permit is $50 for residents and $100 for non-residents. The application process for the permit can be found on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website.

Crocodile hunting season in Florida runs from April 1st through June 30th. During this time, hunters are allowed to take two crocodiles per permit. The hides and meat of the crocodiles must be turned over to the FWC.

The FWC has put several rules and regulations in place in order to ensure that the hunting of crocodiles is done safely and humanely.

For example, only certain types of firearms are allowed to be used when hunting crocodiles. These include handguns, rifles, and shotguns. In addition, only certain types of ammunition may be used. Lead bullets are not allowed, as they can cause lead poisoning in crocodiles.

If you are planning on hunting crocodiles in Florida, it is important to be familiar with the rules and regulations set forth by the FWC. By following these guidelines, you can help to ensure a safe and successful hunt for everyone involved.

Important Notice: The articles published on this website are only for informational purposes and we do not promote hunting/ killing animals. If you are willing to hunt please refer to Authorized sources for correct and updated information. Writer/ Website owner will not be responsible for any consequences due to information provided on this website. You can refer to relevant Government sources for updated information.