Since 1988, Florida's statewide alligator harvest has been nationally and internationally recognized as a model program for the sustainable use of a natural resource.  Each year, Alligator Harvest Management Units (delineated areas that contain sovereign waters and/or publicly-owned properties, and county-wide units) are established with appropriate harvest quotas to provide recreational opportunities for Floridians, and non-residents, to take up to 2 alligators per permit.  Only persons 18 years old and older are eligible to apply for a harvest permit.  Applicants must submit payment for CITES tags and an Alligator Trapping License, or provide proof of possession of an Alligator Trapping License valid through the end of the alligator harvest season.  A Florida hunting license is not required to participate in the Statewide Alligator Harvest.

 Important!  Boating restrictions have been revised for the St. Johns River and associated lakes. These restrictions include the area from the south end of Lake George to State Road 50. The St. Johns River south of State Road 50, which includes alligator harvest units 501 and 502, has been re-opened to boat traffic. 

The revised emergency rule may affect alligator hunters with permits for areas 504, 505, 510, 527, 528, 835, 857, and 864.  This rule sets boating restrictions based on water levels at specific NOAA gauges. You can monitor these water levels at this link to determine which restriction is in effect.

Any changes to these restrictions will be posted to this website as it becomes available.

NEW!  Restrictions for Everglades WMA alligator hunters
(areas 402 and 404)

NEW!  Important information for STA-1W and STA-5 alligator hunters

NEW!  Updated Alligator Meat Processors list

• How do I apply for an Alligator Trapping Agent's license?
• 2008 Statewide Alligator Harvest Training and Orientation Manual
• Alligator Harvest Unit Descriptions
• Statewide alligator harvest data (up to 2007)
• 2008 Statewide Alligator Harvest Application Worksheet

Online Alligator Harvest Report Form
If you transfer your alligator carcass to a commercial alligator processor, you must also complete a hard copy of the alligator harvest report form and a copy of this form must be transferred with the carcass.

Statewide Alligator Harvest and Processing Video

This training video covers common harvesting techniques and how to skin and process an alligator.  Approximately 20 minutes in length.
(High-speed Internet connection recommended.)

NOTICE!  Effective 28 April 2008, the Osceola Board of County Commissioners has revised airboat restrictions for Lake Tohopekaliga and East Lake Tohopekaliga.  The new ordinance bans the use of airboats from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM for all recreational boaters, including alligator hunters.  We will post updates if we become aware of any changes in this ordinance.

• Chapter 16, Article III - Waters & Watercraft (source: Municode.com)

• Ordinance No. 08-09 (source: Osceola.org)

Important!  Float Plan form and Boating Safety Equipment

Internet Mapping Resources

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