Florida Apprentice Falconer Requirements
Complete checklist for becoming an apprentice falconer in Florida
Information provided for reference only. Always verify with official sources before making decisions. Regulations may have changed since this information was last updated.
Apprentice Level
Entry level for aspiring falconers - typically 2 years minimum
Key Requirements Overview
Pass the falconry examination (typically 80% minimum score)
Find and secure a sponsor (general or master falconer)
Build or purchase approved mews (housing)
Acquire necessary equipment (jesses, leash, perch, etc.)
Pass facilities inspection
Limited to 1 bird from approved species list
Exam Completion
Pass Falconry Examination
Score 80% or higher on the Florida Falconry Examination administered by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Specifications: {"examScore": {"minPercentage": 80}}
Citation: 68A-16.002 FACComplete Falconry Class (if required)
Some regions require completion of an approved falconry training course before examination
Citation: 68A-16.002 FACLicense Fees
Pay Falconry License Application Fee
Submit application fee with license request to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Specifications: {"fees": {"applicationFee": 50.00, "currency": "USD"}}
Sponsorship Requirements
Find a General or Master Falconer Sponsor
Locate a sponsor with at least 2 years of falconry experience at the General or Master level who will supervise your first 2 years
Specifications: {"sponsorExperience": "2 years", "sponsorshipDuration": "2 years"}
Citation: 68A-16.003 FACMew Construction
Build or Obtain Approved Falconry Facility (Mew)
Construct a weatherproof housing facility meeting minimum dimension requirements of 8 feet long x 8 feet wide x 6 feet high
Specifications: {"mewDimensions": {"minLength": 8, "minWidth": 8, "minHeight": 6, "unit": "feet"}}
Citation: 68A-16.004 FACMew Inspection
Get Mew Inspected by Sponsor
Have your sponsor inspect and certify that the falconry facility meets all state and federal requirements
Citation: 68A-16.004 FACEquipment Requirements
Acquire Required Falconry Equipment
Purchase or make essential equipment for training and hunting including glove, jesses, bells, bath, and scale
Specifications: {"equipmentList": ["Leather falconry glove", "Jesses (leather straps)", "Bells or radio telemetry", "Bath container", "Scale (accurate to 10g)", "Leash and swivel"]}
Citation: 68A-16.005 FACHunting License
Obtain Florida Hunting License
Apply for and receive a valid Florida hunting license
Bird Capture
Obtain Federal Falconry Permit
Apply for and receive a federal permit to possess raptors under 50 CFR 21.82
Citation: 50 CFR § 21.82Capture or Acquire First Bird
Trap a wild passage raptor or purchase from a permitted breeder. Apprentices are limited to one bird at a time.
Specifications: {"apprenticeAllowedSpecies": ["Red-tailed Hawk", "American Kestrel", "Red-shouldered Hawk"]}
Citation: 68A-16.006 FACDocumentation
Maintain Falconry Records
Keep detailed records of raptor acquisition, disposition, and annual inventory reports
Citation: 68A-16.007 FACApprentice-Eligible Species in Florida
These species are legal for apprentice falconers in Florida. Click to view details.
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensisAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: May possess only ONE wild-caught red-tailed hawk, red-shouldered hawk, broad-winged hawk, OR merlin (68A-9.005(4)(a)4). Apprentices may fly captive-bred birds under General/Master supervision. Native to Florida year-round. General: max 3 raptors. Master: max 5 wild raptors.
Red-shouldered Hawk
Buteo lineatusAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: May possess only ONE wild-caught (68A-9.005(4)(a)4). Apprentices may fly captive-bred birds under supervision. Native to Florida year-round, common in wooded areas. General: max 3 raptors. Master: max 5 wild raptors.
Broad-winged Hawk
Buteo platypterusAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: May possess only ONE wild-caught (68A-9.005(4)(a)4). Apprentices may fly captive-bred birds under supervision. Native to Florida, summer migrant. General: max 3 raptors. Master: max 5 wild raptors.
Merlin
Falco columbariusAll experience levels. APPRENTICE: May possess only ONE wild-caught (68A-9.005(4)(a)4). Apprentices may fly captive-bred birds under supervision. Native to Florida, coastal migrant. Can be transferred to propagation after only 1 year (68A-9.005(13)(d)1). General: max 3 raptors. Master: max 5 wild raptors.