TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Permit applications for Florida\u2019s 2026 bear hunting season are now open.<\/p>\n
Applications opened this morning and can be submitted through Sept. 21, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).<\/p>\n
Each application costs $5, with additional handling fees. Applicants must be at least 18 years old by Oct. 1 and may apply as many times as they would like. <\/p>\n
A bear harvest permit is required to harvest a bear in one of the four selected Bear Harvest Zones<\/a> from Dec. 5-27. A hunting license is also required to hunt bears, unless exempt.<\/p>\n WCTV Latest Video:<\/p>\n Permits will be distributed by random drawing. Only one nontransferable permit may be issued per person, and permits will cost $100 for residents and $300 for nonresidents, with additional handling fees. No more than 10% of permits issued will be to nonresidents.<\/p>\n Hunters may submit applications online<\/a> by logging into their account and choosing \u201cApply for Limited Entry\/Quota Permits,\u201d or by completing an application worksheet and presenting it to a license agent or Florida tax collector\u2019s office. <\/p>\n Further information is available at the FWC\u2019s website<\/a>. <\/p>\n To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> <\/a>and X<\/a> (Twitter<\/a>).<\/p>\n Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here<\/a>. Please include the article\u2019s headline in your message.<\/p>\n Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n