Hunter Safety Certification
Florida Hunter
Education 2026
Hunter education certification requirements, online course options, field day rules, apprentice license info, and bowhunter education for Florida. Florida requires hunter education for hunters born on or after June 1, 1975. An apprentice hunting license allows youth under 16 to hunt with a licensed adult before completing the course.
Online Course Available
Field Day Required
Accepts Reciprocity
Apprentice License Available
2026 Hunter Education Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Required?
Yes
All first-time hunters
Online Course
Available
$24.95 via Hunter-Ed.com
Field Day
Required
$0.00 fee
Course Hours
8
hours minimum
Course Requirements
Florida Hunter Education Course Details
Enrollment options, fees, and what to expect from the Florida hunter education certification process.
Issuing Agency
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
— Official Site
Required
Required — for all first-time hunters
Online Course
Available
$24.95 via Hunter-Ed.com
Field Day / Skills
Required
Fee: $0.00 — hands-on firearm safety demonstration required with certified instructor
In-Person Fee
Free (volunteer instructors)
Minimum Hours
8 hours (completion time varies based on pace and method)
Reciprocity
Does Florida Accept Out-of-State Certifications?
Reciprocity Accepted
Florida accepts valid hunter education certifications issued by any other US state, territory, or Canadian province. You do not need to retake the course when purchasing a Florida hunting license.
Florida accepts valid hunter education certifications issued by any other US state, territory, or Canadian province. You do not need to retake the course when purchasing a Florida hunting license.
Apprentice Program
Florida Apprentice Hunting License
Apprentice License Available
Hunt before completing hunter education with a licensed adult mentor
Age limit: 15
Must hunt alongside a licensed adult mentor at all times
Full hunter education certification required for subsequent license purchases after apprentice license(s) are exhausted
Bowhunter Education
Florida Bowhunter Education
Florida offers a separate bowhunter education course covering archery safety, equipment selection, shot placement, and ethical bowhunting.
Take the Bowhunter Education course →
Take the Bowhunter Education course →
Course Curriculum
What Topics Are Covered?
The Florida hunter education course covers the following subjects:
Firearm safety
Wildlife ID
Hunting regulations
Boating safety
Hunting ethics
First aid
Important Notes
Florida-Specific Requirements
Florida's apprentice hunting license is available to first-time hunters under 16 and allows 5 days of hunting per year under licensed adult supervision. After using the apprentice license, hunter education completion is required.
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) (myfwc.com).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current course fees and enrollment options directly with the agency before registering.