6
Daily duck limit
8
Daily goose limit
$0.00
Waterfowl license (res.)
Season Information
Season DatesZone A (NW): Nov 9 – Jan 26; Zone B (NE/Central/SW): Nov 16 – Jan 26; Zone C (SE): Nov 23 – Jan 26
FlywayAtlantic Flyway
Zone InformationFlorida has three duck hunting zones with staggered season openers (Zone A in the Panhandle, Zone B in the northern/central peninsula, Zone C in South Florida). The St. Johns River, Lake Okeechobee, and the Florida Panhandle bayous are key zones. Mottled duck have special closed season periods to protect local breeding populations.
Species NotesDucks: 6/day; mallard 4 (2 hens); black duck 2; mottled duck 2; pintail 1; canvasback 1; redhead 2; scaup 2; wood duck 3. Geese: Canada 8/day; snow/blue 20/day. No early teal season in most of Florida.
License & Permit Requirements
State Hunting License
✅ Required
Federal Duck Stamp
✅ Required
HIP Registration
✅ Required
HIP Registration Info
HIP registration is required annually for all waterfowl hunters at no cost. Register online at myfwc.com or at any Walmart or license agent. Florida residents may be exempt from some fees but HIP is still required for migratory bird hunting.
How to Get Licensed for Waterfowl Hunting
1
Purchase a Florida hunting license ($17.00 resident) from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
2
Complete HIP Registration (free) — available when purchasing your hunting license or through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website.
3
Purchase the Federal Duck Stamp ($25) — required for all waterfowl hunters age 16+. Available at USPS offices or online.
Additional Notes: Florida is a major wintering destination for ducks and geese at the southern terminus of the Atlantic Flyway. Lake Okeechobee and the surrounding marsh complexes attract large concentrations of ring-necked duck, scaup, and wigeon during peak winter months. The St. Johns River is one of the Southeast's most productive duck hunting rivers, holding blue-winged teal, lesser scaup, and hooded merganser throughout the winter. Florida's resident mottled duck population has special protections, and hunters must be able to distinguish them from female mallards. Hunting pressure is highest in the Panhandle.
Buy FL License — Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission