Persons born on or after June 1, 1975, must have successfully completed a hunter safety course to buy a license allowing them to hunt in Florida with a firearm, gun (including a muzzleloading gun), bow or crossbow. Anyone who meets the above description must present a valid hunter safety certification card prior to being issued a hunting license (excluding lifetime licenses).
Individuals exempt from hunting license requirements who were born on or after June 1, 1975 are also exempt from the hunter safety requirements. The exemption does not apply to persons with a Florida Resident Disabled Person Hunting and Fishing License or anyone hunting on military bases. Completion of a hunter safety course is required by the federal government to hunt on military bases.
License holders born on or after June 1, 1975 whose licenses do not indicate that they have completed a hunter safety course must have the hunter safety certification card in their possession while hunting.
To access Florida hunter safety card details or class registration information, visit the Duplicate Hunter Safety Cards and Class Registration Lookup.
Out-of-State Hunters
A hunter safety card or certificate issued for a course completed in another state is accepted in Florida. All Florida recreational hunting license requirements apply.
Hunter Safety Requirement Deferral
Anyone 16 years of age or older and born June 1, 1975, or after may hunt under the supervision of a qualified hunter without having to complete the state's hunter safety certification. Hunters using this Hunter Safety Mentoring Deferral must be supervised by an adult, 21 years of age or older, who has a valid hunting license (or is exempt from the hunting license requirement) and who has met the hunter safety requirement (or is exempt from the hunter safety requirement).
Hunters who purchase a hunting license using the deferral will have "Must hunt under supervision of qualified hunter age 21 or older," printed on the license. Any hunters who pass a hunter safety course while this license is still active may legally hunt without supervision by carrying the hunting license and certification card.
Law enforcement and military personnel
Law enforcement and military personnel are not exempt from the hunter education certification requirement. Gun safety is just one of the twelve subjects that are taught at the hunter safety courses.
However, Florida residents in the U.S. Armed Service stationed outside of Florida are exempt from purchasing a license if they are home on leave for 30 days or less. Since they are exempt from purchasing a license, they are exempt from having to take the hunter safety course. When hunting, they need to carry their leave orders with them in case they are stopped by a law enforcement officer. However, once discharged or if they get stationed in Florida, they will have to take a hunter safety course in order to purchase a hunting license.
Concealed weapons permit safety course
Concealed Weapons Permitting is handled by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DOACS). For additional information, please contact the DOACS Division of Licensing.
Panama City: 850-265-3676
Lake City: 386-758-0525
West Palm Beach: 561-625-5122