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
Required
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 FAC

Optional
Complete Falconry Class (if required)

Some regions require completion of an approved falconry training course before examination

Citation: 68A-16.002 FAC
License Fees
Required
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
Required
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 FAC
Mew Construction
Required
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 FAC
Mew Inspection
Required
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 FAC
Equipment Requirements
Required
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 FAC
Hunting License
Required
Obtain Florida Hunting License

Apply for and receive a valid Florida hunting license

Bird Capture
Required
Obtain Federal Falconry Permit

Apply for and receive a federal permit to possess raptors under 50 CFR 21.82

Citation: 50 CFR § 21.82

Required
Capture 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 FAC
Documentation
Required
Maintain Falconry Records

Keep detailed records of raptor acquisition, disposition, and annual inventory reports

Citation: 68A-16.007 FAC
Apprentice-Eligible Species in Florida

These species are legal for apprentice falconers in Florida. Click to view details.

Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis

All 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 lineatus

All 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 platypterus

All 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 columbarius

All 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.


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