The main phone number for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is 850-488-4676, which reaches the Tallahassee headquarters. Most callers, though, need one of the agency’s specialized Florida Fish and Wildlife phone numbers: 888-404-3922 for wildlife violations, 866-392-4286 for nuisance alligators, 888-483-4681 for invasive species, 800-636-0511 for fish kills, and 888-486-8356 or 888-347-4356 for hunting and fishing licenses.
Headquarters and Regional Offices
Call 850-488-4676 for general administrative questions or statewide policy matters. For anything tied to a specific area, including Wildlife Management Area access, habitat questions, hunter safety courses, and special-use land permits, the five regional offices are the right starting point.1Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Contact an Office at the FWC2Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Recreational Land Use Permits
- Northwest Region (Panama City): 850-265-3676
- North Central Region (Lake City): 386-758-0525
- Northeast Region (Ocala): 352-732-1225
- Southwest Region (Lakeland): 863-648-3200
- South Region (West Palm Beach): 561-625-5122
Wildlife Alert Hotline: 888-404-3922
The Wildlife Alert line runs 24 hours a day for reports of suspected fish, wildlife, or boating violations. That covers poaching, hunting or fishing out of season, hunting or fishing without a license, and boating violations. From a cell phone you can also dial *FWC or #FWC to reach a dispatcher, or submit a tip online at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.3Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Wildlife Alert – Report a Violation
You can report anonymously, and Florida law protects your identity. Callers whose tips lead to an arrest or citation may qualify for a cash reward ranging from $100 for the lowest-level violations up to $1,000 for felony wildlife trafficking.4Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Reward Categories
Injured or Dead Marine Mammals, Manatees, Sea Turtles, and Panthers
The same number handles sick, injured, or dead marine mammals, manatees, sea turtles, and Florida panthers. For a marine mammal, press 7 after dialing 888-404-3922 to reach an operator who coordinates field response.5Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Marine Mammal Field Stations
Nuisance Alligator Hotline: 866-392-4286
Call 866-FWC-GATOR when an alligator at least four feet long threatens people, pets, or property. The FWC’s Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program dispatches a contracted trapper; only trappers under contract and holding specialized permits can legally remove the animal.6Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program7Legal Information Institute. Florida Administrative Code 68A-25.003
Do not attempt to trap, kill, or relocate the alligator yourself. Killing one without FWC authorization is a third-degree felony, and weapons, vehicles, or boats involved can be confiscated.8The Florida Legislature. Florida Code 379.409 For alligators under four feet that aren’t an immediate threat, the FWC’s guidance is to give them space rather than call.
Invasive Species Hotline: 888-483-4681
888-IVE-GOT1 is staffed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with voicemail after hours. The FWC asks that you call for high-priority sightings, which include all nonnative snakes, monitor lizards, and tegus. For lower-priority sightings like small nonnative lizards or iguanas, use the free IveGot1 app or the web form at IveGot1.org and include a clear photo, GPS location, and date.9Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Report Sightings of Nonnative Species
Fish Kill Hotline: 800-636-0511
Report fish kills, diseased fish, or fish with unusual abnormalities to the FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute at 800-636-0511. Leave a detailed message with your contact information; a biologist typically follows up on the next business day if more information is needed. This line covers environmental fish kills, including red tide events. It does not handle cleanup of dead fish on beaches, which falls to local municipalities.10Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Red Tide-Related Hotlines and Information Sources
License Purchase Lines: 888-486-8356 and 888-347-4356
To buy a recreational license by phone, call 888-HUNT-FLORIDA for hunting or 888-FISH-FLORIDA for fishing. Both lines also handle seasonal limited-entry permits and technical issues with the Go Outdoors Florida online portal. Licenses can also be purchased and stored on the free Fish|Hunt FL app.11Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. How to Order Your License or Permit
Fishing or hunting without a valid license carries a $50 civil penalty plus the cost of the license you should have purchased.12Florida House of Representatives. Florida Code 379.401 Florida residents 65 and older are exempt from fishing and hunting license requirements with proof of age and residency, and children under 16 don’t need a license either.13Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Do I Need a License or Permit? Active-duty military who are Florida residents stationed elsewhere are exempt while home on leave for 30 days or fewer with their leave documentation; those stationed in or residing in Florida can apply for a Military Gold Sportsman’s License.14Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Military Gold Sportsman’s License
Boating Safety and Hunter Education Contacts
For questions about the Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card, which is required for anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, operating a boat with 10 or more horsepower, email bobbercard@myfwc.com.15Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Boating Safety Education Identification Card Boat registration and titling are handled by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, not the FWC.
Hunter safety course information comes through the regional offices listed above. Anyone born on or after June 1, 1975, must complete the course before buying a hunting license for use with a firearm, bow, or crossbow, though hunters 16 or older can hunt under the direct supervision of a qualified licensed hunter in the meantime.16Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Hunter Safety Requirement