Florida General Falconer Requirements

Complete checklist for becoming a general 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.

General Level

Intermediate level for experienced falconers - requires at least 2 years as apprentice

Key Requirements Overview

Complete at least 2 years as a licensed apprentice falconer

Demonstrate successful experience training and flying raptors

Upgrade mews to accommodate up to 3 birds (varies by state)

Access to wider variety of species including captive-bred birds

May sponsor apprentice falconers

No longer requires a sponsor for most activities

Exam Completion
Required
Complete 2 Years as Apprentice

Successfully complete at least 2 years at the Apprentice level with sponsor supervision

License Fees
Required
Pay General License Upgrade Fee

Submit upgrade fee to advance to General falconer classification

Specifications: {"fees": {"applicationFee": 40.00, "currency": "USD"}}

Mew Construction
Optional
Upgrade Mew to General Standards (if needed)

Ensure falconry facility meets requirements for housing up to 3 raptors

Citation: 68A-16.004 FAC
Documentation
Required
Submit Sponsor Certification

Obtain written certification from sponsor attesting to your competency and successful completion of apprenticeship requirements

Required
Continue Annual Record Keeping

Maintain detailed records and submit annual inventory reports to Florida FWC

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

These species are legal for general 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.

American Kestrel
Falco sparverius

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices (not in 68A-9.005(4)(a)4 list). Native to FL. Subspecies F.s. sparverius may be taken Sep 15-Jan 15 (68A-9.005(12)(a)7). Southeastern kestrel (F.s. paulus) requires imperiled species permit (68A-9.005(12)(a)8). Can be taken over 1 year old (68A-9.005(12)(a)6). Can transfer to propagation after only 1 year (68A-9.005(13)(d)1). General: max 3 raptors. Master: max 5 wild raptors.

Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus

General and Master falconers only. NOT allowed for apprentices. Native to FL (urban breeding population). WILD TAKE requires special permit via lottery system (68A-9.005(12)(a)13), priority for FL residents. Banded peregrines may not be taken from wild (68A-9.005(12)(a)5d). Must be banded or microchipped (68A-9.005(11)(a)). Captive-bred readily available. General: max 3 raptors. Master: max 5 wild raptors.

View All 24 Legal Species
Next Steps
Apprentice Requirements
Master Requirements
Legal Species in Florida