Alligator hunting season in Florida runs 11 consecutive weeks this year, from Aug. 15 through Nov. 1. Early June is the time to get the appropriate permits and licenses.

Each individual is limited to one permit during the initial period of June 3 to June 9. A permit allows the take of two alligators. To obtain a permit, applicants must submit payment for an alligator trapping license and two alligator-hide validation tags. For residents it’s $271.50; non-residents pay $1,021.50. After June 10, permits re-open for hunters if not all distributed. Additional alligator hunting permits are $61.50 regardless of residency.

Apply for a permit at any county tax collector’s office, retail outlets that sell hunting licenses or at www.MyFWC.com/license. Hunters who kill an alligator must complete and send in an Alligator Harvest Report Form to help FWC biologists monitor future alligator population trends.

Another type of alligator hunting license is available--an Alligator Trapping Agent License. At $51.50, the license allows the holder to assist a permitted trapper in taking alligators.

The FWC recommends first-time alligator hunters take a no-cost, three-hour training program before trudging through alligator haunts. The FWC orientations are held at various locations throughout the state in July and August.