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FLORIDA - Florida wildlife officials are now accepting applications for the state’s annual recreational alligator hunting season and special permit program.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced that applications are open for both the 2026 Statewide Alligator Harvest Program and the Alligator Super Hunt.
The programs allow selected participants to legally harvest alligators in approved management areas throughout the state during designated hunting periods.
According to the FWC, the first phase of applications for the Statewide Alligator Harvest Program opened in May and will remain available for a limited period.
Hunters selected through the random drawing system will receive permits assigned to specific counties or wildlife management areas.
Each permit allows participants to harvest up to two alligators during the season.
The agency also opened applications for the Alligator Super Hunt, which gives selected hunters broader access to eligible public hunting areas across Florida.
Officials said applicants may submit multiple paid entries for the Super Hunt, although only one permit may be awarded to an individual each season.
The statewide alligator hunting season is scheduled to begin August 15th and continue through early November.
The Super Hunt season extends through the end of December.
Participants selected for either program will receive an alligator trapping license, harvest permits, and required tags needed to legally harvest the animals.
FWC officials said applicants must be at least 18 years old and comply with all state wildlife regulations and reporting requirements.
The alligator harvest programs are part of Florida’s long standing wildlife management efforts aimed at regulating the state’s alligator population.