Public Hunting Land in Florida

Florida is home to one of the most expansive and biologically diverse public land systems in the Southeast. With over 6 million acres available for public hunting, the state offers excellent opportunities for deer, hogs, turkey, waterfowl, and exotic game — all across swamps, forests, and prairies.

Types of Public Land Available in Florida:

• Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): Managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), these areas form the backbone of Florida’s public hunting system.

• State Forests: Managed by the Florida Forest Service, many forests offer seasonal hunting with the correct permits.

• National Wildlife Refuges & National Forests: Osceola, Apalachicola, and Ocala National Forests all offer designated hunting zones.

• Special Opportunity Hunts (SOH): High-quality, limited-access hunts offered through drawings for trophy game and less-pressured hunts.

Seasons & Access Info

Florida hunting seasons vary widely by zone, species, and public land unit. Some areas require quota hunt permits, while others are open access with a WMA permit.

Key Resources:

• FWC Hunting Seasons & Zones

• Licenses, Permits & WMA Requirements

• Quota Hunt Applications

Pro Tip: Florida has four hunting zones, and season dates differ between them — double-check your unit before planning.

Explore Maps & WMA Tools

Florida provides excellent digital tools to scout and plan your public land hunts:

• WMA Finder & Interactive Map Tool

• PDF Map Downloads by WMA

From swampy lowlands to dry pine flatwoods, Florida’s public lands offer incredible hunting diversity — just be ready for heat, humidity, and wild hogs.