Sale of alligator permits begin June 3, but more than 2,000 Alligator Harvest Permits are still available on a first-come, first-served basis through Sept. 20. Permit holders are authorized to take two alligators from designated areas during specific harvest periods. Alligator harvest areas are listed at MyFWC.com/alligator under “Alligator Harvest Permit Availability.”

Applicants have their preference of applying at any county tax collector’s office, license agent (retail outlet that sells hunting and fishing licenses), online at MyFWC.com/license or by calling toll-free 1-888-HUNT-FLORIDA (486-8356) from anywhere in the United States or Canada.

To reserve a permit, applicants must submit payment for an Alligator Trapping License and two alligator-hide validation tags, or provide proof of a valid Alligator Trapping License (must be valid through Oct. 8) plus pay the fee for two hide validation tags. No other hunting licenses are required.

The cost for a Resident Alligator Trapping License and hide validation tags is $272, and non-residents pay $1,022. Any hunter who takes an alligator must complete and send in an Alligator Harvest Report Form. The information gathered from these forms enables FWC biologists to monitor population trends and impacts of the annual harvest.

An Alligator Trapping Agent License is also available for $52, which allows the license holder to assist a trapper in taking alligators, but only in the presence of the permitted trapper. All persons seeking a harvest permit must be at least 18 years old by Sept. 1, and only one harvest permit per person will be issued.