For the second year in a row, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is set to hold a bear hunt this December with 215 bear hunting permits issued through a lottery system.
Our goal? Buy up all the tags to keep them out of hunters’ hands.
Bear tag lottery application period: September 11-21, 2026
How to enter the bear tag lottery:
- Get your Florida hunting license NOW (see steps here)
- Licenses are FREE for residents 65+!
- Apply for a bear tag as many times as you want, for $5 per application, between September 11-21:
- Online*: Log into your Go Outdoors Florida account (via web, App Store, or Google Play) and select “Apply for Limited Entry/Quota Permit", OR:
- In person: Submit an Application Worksheet at any license agent or tax collector’s office
After you apply:
- Applications are processed by random drawing* with three rounds of claim periods from September 25-November 2
- Drawing results will be posted on customer accounts at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com
- Selected applicants will be eligible to purchase their permit by the claim deadlines set forth by FWC. Permit costs:
- Florida residents: $100
- Non-residents: $300
* Did you enter the bear tag lottery in 2025 but didn't get a permit? Your 2026 entries will get special preference in this year's drawing!
* Need help using the Go Outdoors Florida website or app? Contact FWC at 855-779-5907
For all the information, see the FWC website here
Stay Informed
2026 Florida Black Bear Hunt Fact Sheet
Subscribe to Sierra Club Florida email and follow us on social media for updates and announcements!
How to buy a Florida hunting license:
- Online (see step-by-step video on Facebook or Instagram):
- Create/log into your Go Outdoors Florida account
- Select ‘Recreational Licenses & Permits’
- Select ‘Click Here to Get a License!’
- Under ‘Shop by License Category,’ select ‘Hunting’
- Select Type 165, ‘Hunting – 1 Year’ ($17.00)*
- Check the box to defer the certification requirement
- Add to cart and check out
- The Go Outdoors Florida app (Apple or Android), OR:
- At your local tax collector's office (be sure to check if an appointment is required before visiting)
*Licenses are FREE for residents 65+!
Need help using the Go Outdoors Florida website or app? Contact FWC at 855-779-5907