Florida Falconry Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a licensed 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.
Overview
Florida regulates falconry through Rule 68A-9.005. Permit required from executive director to possess raptors for falconry. No permit issued without 80% examination passage or to persons under 14. Three permit classes: Apprentice (age 14+, sponsor required, 2 years), General (age 18+, 2 years apprentice experience), and Master (5 years general experience). Raptor housing facilities and equipment inspected by FWC before initial permit issuance. Permit valid until December 31 of third calendar year after issuance. Lapsed permits under 5 years reinstatable with proof; 5+ years requires 80% exam plus facility inspection. New residents and foreign visitors must pass exam. Nonresidents may trap raptors with executive director permit.
Apprentice
Requirements for beginning falconers. Typically includes 2 years of apprenticeship, sponsorship by a general or master falconer, and basic housing standards.
General
Requirements for intermediate falconers. Requires at least 2 years as an apprentice and allows for a wider selection of species and multiple birds.
Master
Requirements for advanced falconers. Requires at least 5 years of experience as a general falconer and allows the maximum number of birds and species.
License Information
Florida issues three permit classes via online application at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Apprentice requires age 14+ (parent/guardian signature if under 18), sponsor (Master or General with 2+ years general experience, max 3 apprentices), 80% exam passage, facility inspection before permit, may possess one wild-caught red-tailed/red-shouldered/broad-winged hawk or Merlin, may fly General/Master raptors under supervision. General requires age 18+, sponsor documentation of 2 years apprentice with 4+ months/year maintaining/training/flying/hunting, may possess up to 3 raptors (cannot be eagles), may possess captive-bred/hybrids. Master requires 5 years general practice with 4+ months/year, may possess up to 5 wild raptors (max 3 eagles with 1,000+ hours large raptor experience per detailed requirements) plus unlimited captive-bred for hunting. Permits expire December 31 of third year after issuance. Lapsed under 5 years reinstatable with proof; 5+ years requires 80% exam; lapsed 2+ years requires facility re-inspection.
Exam Information
Florida requires applicants to score 80% on written examination given at FWC regional offices before initial permit issuance per Rule 68A-9.005(4). Applicants contact nearest regional office to schedule exam and receive written results notification. Lapsed permits 5+ years require 80% exam passage for reinstatement. Suspended/revoked permits require 80% exam passage regardless of suspension/revocation period. New residents and foreign visitors must score 80% to demonstrate Florida falconry laws knowledge. FWC determines classification level based on past experience documentation.
Housing Requirements
Florida requires FWC inspection and certification of resident facilities before initial permit issuance per Rule 68A-9.005(7). Outdoor weathering facilities must be fenced/covered/roofed, large enough for safe flight from perch, with adequate perches and weather protection. Indoor mews must allow easy raptor care access, provide suitable perch for each raptor, permit untethered flight or full wing extension if tethered, have window with protective bars/lattice/netting, secure door, well-drained floor. Raptors may be kept inside residence if suitable perch provided and outdoor weathering access or supervised outdoor time ensured. Facilities on non-owned property require signed property owner statement permitting FWC inspections.
Equipment Requirements
Florida requires per Rule 68A-9.005(7)(c): one pair Aylmeri jesses or similar constructed of pliable leather/synthetic, one flexible weather-resistant leash and strong swivel (not snap-type), one bath container 2-6 inches deep and wider than raptor length, one weathering area for each raptor, scale graduated to maximum 1/2 ounce increments. All equipment must be appropriate for species and suitable for proper raptor care, handling, and welfare.