Florida hunting seasons 2026

Florida splits deer hunting into four zones, and the gun season dates differ a lot from one zone to the next. The dates below are the 2026-27 general gun season dates listed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Check the FWC for the full schedule and any changes before you plan a hunt.

Deer gun season dates, 2026-27

Deer hunting rules

• Find your zone before you plan a hunt, because the dates differ between zones.
• Centerfire rifles, shotguns, handguns and muzzleloaders are used for deer.
• Rimfire cartridges are not legal for deer.
• Antler rules follow the local deer management unit for your area. Check the FWC rules for that unit before the season.

Other hunting notes

• Teal and wood duck season, 2026-27: Sept. 19 to 23.
• Duck hunters need a hunting license, a migratory bird permit and the federal duck stamp. A 12- or 20-gauge pump or semi-auto rated for steel shot handles teal and wood ducks.
• Feral hogs on private land may be taken year-round, day or night, with written landowner permission. No license or bag limit applies under FWC rules on private land. On wildlife management areas, hog rules follow each area's regulations.

Buying a rifle or shotgun for hunting

To buy a firearm from a Florida dealer you must be 21 or older and pass an FDLE background check at the dealer when you pick up. State law sets a waiting period of three business days, weekends and legal holidays excluded, or until the check clears, whichever is later. Rifle and shotgun buyers with a hunter safety card are exempt from the waiting period. Some counties, such as Miami-Dade and Alachua, set up to five days. Firearms ship to a licensed FFL dealer you choose.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to buy a gun before hunting?

Florida has no purchase permit. You need to be 21, pass the FDLE background check at the dealer, and wait three business days unless an exemption applies. Ask the receiving dealer whether a local waiting period also applies.

Can I use a rimfire rifle for deer?

No. Rimfire cartridges are not legal for deer. Centerfire rifles, shotguns, handguns and muzzleloaders are used for deer.

Who publishes the full hunting schedule?

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) publishes the full hunting schedule, including the zone dates and the antler rules for each deer management unit. Check the FWC before each season.

Can I hunt feral hogs year-round?

On private land, yes, with written landowner permission. On wildlife management areas, follow that area's rules.

Official sources

Rules and dates come from these agencies. Check them for the current version before you order or hunt; last reviewed October 2026.

• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
• ATF, Firearms

General information, not legal advice. Current as of September 2026. Laws change; check the official source before you act.