Florida Selling $1000 Gator Hunt Licenses

Pay Your Money And Bag Up To Two Gators

LABELLE, FL. -- Have you ever wondered how it would be to catch and bring into the boat a 10-foot gator? Well, here’s your chance. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has more than 5,000 permits available to participate in the 11-week alligator season, which runs Aug. 15 – Nov. 1.

Alligator trapping licenses and two hide-validation tags costs $272 for Florida residents and $1,022 for nonresidents. 

Each permit enables you to take two alligators from whichever county or body of water you were awarded during a specific harvest period. To purchase a permit, you must be at least 18 years old by opening day, Aug. 15.

The application process is a bit convoluted and confusing and is being conducted in three phases and begins by submitting a no-cost application at any tax collector’s office, license agent or through the Internet at http://License.MyFWC.com.

During the Phase I application period, alligator permits are issued by random drawing. Phase I ends May 12, and applicants are limited to being drawn for only one permit.

If selected, applicants have until June 3 to pay the cost of the permit. Otherwise, the permit will be placed back into the system, with the other remaining permits, to be sold in Phase II on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 10 a.m. June 7 and continuing through June 12. Those who received a permit in Phase I and paid for it cannot apply during Phase II.

Any permits remaining after June 12 will be issued during Phase III on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 10 a.m. June 14 until all are sold. Anyone can apply during Phase III – despite having already bought a permit in Phase I or Phase II.

If you happen to buy an additional permit during Phase III, it will cost $62, regardless of whether you are a resident or not. No other hunting license or permits are required to participate in the hunts.

If you don’t have all the gear necessary and you’d rather assist a friend who purchased an alligator trapping license, you can pay $52 for an alligator trapping “agent” license. You don’t even have to be 18 to buy one. This license entitles you to take alligators, but only when you’re with a licensed person.