Falconry Laws in Florida

The ancient art of falconry involves training raptors to hunt with, as well as for, humans. To become a falconer, you must train for years and acquire many permits. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will inspect your equipment and the places in which you house your birds. Laws vary somewhat according to what class of falconer you wish to become.

  1. Three Classes of Falconers

    • According to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, to practice falconry an individual must be at least 14 years old. To qualify as an apprentice, applicants must have a licensed sponsor. An apprentice may possess only one raptor: either a red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) or a red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus). General class applicants need two years training experience in the art of falconry and must be 18 years old. General class falconers may possess two raptors of any kind, except a golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) or any raptor listed as “threatened” or “endangered.” Master falconers require five years of experience at the General Class level. They are permitted to have three falcons, including one "endangered" or "threatened" species if they obtain a special permit.

    Permits

    • According to the Florida Hawk Fraternity, you must obtain several permits before practicing falconry in the state. First, falconers require a Federal Fish and Wildlife License/Permit. Before issuing this permit, a Florida Fish and Wildlife officer will inspect the applicant's mews and equipment, and the applicant must pass a written exam. To obtain birds for use in falconry, individuals need to file a Migratory Bird Acquisition and Disposition Report if capturing a bird, or a Migratory Bird Import/Export Permit if purchasing a bird or, if using golden eagles, an Eagle Falconry Permit. Breeding requires a Raptor Propagation Permit. Furthermore, Florida requires individuals hunting with falcons to obtain a hunting license for small game. Falconers must obey all hunting regulations.

    Capturing Raptors

    • A General or Master falconer may take up to two young birds not yet capable of flight between March 17 and April 30, and between May 17 and June 30. Falconers may take first year birds between September 15 and October 31 and between December 1 and January 12. Only great horned owls (Bubo virginianus) may be taken when over one year old. Falconers must receive a special permit to take peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus.)

    Housing and Equipment

    • A falconer must have outdoor facilities fenced and covered with roof, wire or netting large enough that a bird cannot hit the fence when flying from a perch. Birds need adequate perches and protection from the elements. Falconers must possess jesses made from quality leather or strong synthetic material, leashes and swivels of acceptable falconry design, a bath container two to six inches deep, perches and a scale, all kept in sanitary conditions.