Florida Master Falconer Requirements

Complete checklist for becoming a master 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.

Master Level

Advanced level for expert falconers - requires at least 5 years as general falconer

Key Requirements Overview

Complete at least 5 years as a licensed general falconer

Demonstrate extensive experience with multiple species

Expanded facilities to accommodate up to 5 birds (varies by state)

Access to all legal species including eagles (with additional permits)

May sponsor both apprentice and general falconers

Can possess wild-caught, captive-bred, and imported raptors

Exam Completion
Required
Complete 5 Years as General Falconer

Successfully practice falconry at the General level for at least 5 years

License Fees
Required
Pay Master License Upgrade Fee

Submit upgrade fee to advance to Master falconer classification

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

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

Ensure falconry facility meets requirements for housing up to 5 raptors including golden eagles if desired

Citation: 68A-16.004 FAC
Documentation
Required
Document Falconry Experience

Provide documentation of successful flights, hunts, and raptor handling over the 5-year period

Master-Eligible Species in Florida

These species are legal for master 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 27 Legal Species
Related Resources
Apprentice Requirements
General Requirements
Legal Species in Florida