Navigating New FWC Regulations 2026-2027
Overview of 2026 Changes
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Changes to non-resident permits and quotas
2026-2027 changes disabled the purchase of permits online by non-residents. Non-residents may also be subject to permit quota caps and other restrictions. Phone permits may also be restricted to resident only purchases and limits.
- Youth Spring (resident) Turkey hunting season extended 4 days Fri-Monday
- Non-residents now required to purchase annual permits for turkey hunting.
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Airbows now included during muzzleloading / crossbow season
Airbows were not classified for usage restrictions previously, but are now regulated during the same season and restrictions as crossbows and muzzleloaders. See your specific region for seasonal parameters.
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Changes / Additions to WMA Zones
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Circle Hook Restrictions
Circle hooks and non-stainless steel hooks are relegated for use depending on area and game when fishing in the Atlantic. View restrictions for specific fish on the map or visit the FWC website
2026-2027 Regulation and Permit Guide
If you have been running around online and off trying to plan your 2026-2027 vacation based around Florida’s outdoor recreation opportunities, you aren’t alone. Snowbirds, transients, vacationers, and locals alike have found that the methods they have been using for years to register and apply for permits have changed. In addition, the FWC has introduced new regulations for certain areas that will charge the way the 2026 – 2027 hunting season looks. If you’re planning to book a charter or shore fishing tour or you’re hoping to nab a black bear this hunting season, this article will help ease the pain of pre-planning your trip while navigating these changes.
Download The New Guidelines and Rule Book from flrules.org
View Interactive Hunting Regulations Tool
Back in February (2026), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved rule changes that apply to the 2026-2027 hunting season and included more specific regulations around Wildlife Management areas and Wildlife Environmental areas. Some of the areas have also been opened to hunters starting back in 2025 and apply to current season’s regulations, including a new area in St. John’s County on the roster for local hunters.
FWC Boundary Maps
The biggest item on this list to note is that the process by which you may obtain your permit as a non-resident may have changed since the last time you were in Florida. The option to purchase a permit online has been completely disabled, but you would only come to realize this after navigating through the FWC site to the online permit purchasing platform that shows the disclaimer regarding online purchase for non-residents. To date, it is unclear if permits may be purchased or arranged by phone.
Unfortunately, the way the FWC has chosen to relate this information requires some work only to find out that a process you may have performed a thousand times over the years is no longer an option for you in 2026.
MYFWC – All Information
There also have been some major changes regarding plus ones, bag limits, and permit quotas when it comes to non-residents. If you plan on hunting and/or fishing and you’re from out of state, the best advice we can give you is to take a look for yourself to ensure that you have a seamless, headache free vacation. The links we have provided here will open in a new window.
2026-2027 Regulation and Permit Guide
We have you covered when it comes to navigating new regulations for the 2026-2027 hunting and fishing seasons, whether you’re a local resident or non-resident planning a vacation here in Florida. Misconceptions and inconvenient updates have made this season more of a headache than many of us are used to – particularly if you’re coming from out of state. In an effort to make your vacation as painless as possible, we have provided information here relevant to the local area as well as quick links to key pages for purchasing permits and reviewing regulations.
Major Changes of Note
The most major changes to make note of for Hunters:
- New Hunting Areas: C-44 STA (Martin County), Deep Creek (St. John’s County), Dinner Island Ranch – Caraca Unit (Hendry County), Green Heart of the Everglades (Collier County), Lake Apopka North Shore (Lake County), Rice Creek (Putnam County)
- These lands fall under special regulations that are designated when registering in the respected area. Discuss your options with your Florida hunting permit provider when planning your hunting trip.
- Anterless deer opportunities have expanded outside of the WMA system in hunting zones B, C, and D. Youth spring turkey hunting season has been extended to 4 days (Friday – Monday) for spring break hunters and family hunters looking to bring along a greenhorn.
- Airbows are now ALLOWED during crossbow and muzzleloading season (outside of WMA lands).
- Non-resident Permit Restrictions: Non-resident hunters and fisherman MUST apply for permits in person as online purchases have been disabled. You may purchase permits by phone in some cases, but limits on non-resident Permit purchases have been imposed for all seasons.
Important: Charters & Permits
For those of you that have booked fishing charters: your charter booking includes necessary permits needed for offshore fishing and thus, any reputable Charter Captain should have a valid permit that covers all participants in the fishing trip under one license. This specifically applies to offshore charters.
Fishing Tours By Charter: If you have arranged for a fishing tour by foot or at a specific waterway, you may need to purchase permits to fish that would not be covered by the charter captain. Most captains will alert you if this is the case, but many may not currently be aware. We encourage you to ask your charter captain any questions regarding licensing, permits, and compliance if you wish to take part in any of the activities we mentioned to save yourself a headache once you’re already set up to go fishing.
St. Augustine Marina Inc does not issue permits or licenses. Fishing permits to fish on the Vilano Beach Pier are included in admission costs / if renting a fishing kit. You may also stop in the shop and ask one of our associates if you have any questions or concerns.
We will continue to keep everyone updated on current regulations, news, and season changes here, but we also advise everyone to save or bookmark the links provided so that may easily check any changes to regulations as they come up in the future.
