Florida brought back regulated black bear hunting in 2025 after a ten-year break. The season drew strong views from hunters, wildlife advocates, and people who live in bear country.
We now have real results instead of predictions. The first season is over, and Florida has set another statewide season for 2026. That gives us a clearer look at what happened and what hunters need to know next.
What Happened in the 2025 Bear Hunt?
Florida issued 172 permits for the 2025 hunt. Hunters harvested 52 bears during the 23-day season. That was a minimum success rate of 30.2%. Of the bears taken, 28 were male and 24 were female.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission checked every harvested bear. FWC also reported that all harvested bears met the hunt’s size rules. No warnings or citations were issued for violations of bear hunting rules. You can read the current rules and season details on the FWC Florida black bear page.
Florida Has a 2026 Bear Season
The statewide 2026 season is set for December 5 through December 27. Hunting is allowed only in listed Bear Harvest Zones and on lands that are open to bear hunting.
This is not an open statewide hunt. Hunters need a bear harvest permit for a specific zone. They also need to follow the rules for the land they plan to hunt. Anyone new to guided hunts may also want to learn what a hunting guide does in the field before choosing an outfitter.
Permits Keep the Hunt Limited
Florida uses a limited-entry permit system. A successful applicant gets a permit for one Bear Harvest Zone and a physical tag. A permit allows the harvest of one legal bear in that assigned zone.
Permit costs, travel, lodging, and gear can add up. Our guide to the real cost of a hunting trip can help you build a budget before you apply.
Bear Safety Still Matters
A bear hunt does not replace conflict prevention. FWC has made that point clear. People in bear country still need to secure garbage, pet food, bird seed, and other easy food sources.
Campers need the same habits. Keep food and scented items secure. Keep a clean camp. Give bears room. If you plan to stay away from developed campgrounds, our primitive camping guide covers simple ways to camp with less impact.
Wildlife awareness matters well beyond Florida. A trip to a place such as Banff National Park also calls for safe distance from bears and careful food storage. The species and rules may change, but giving wild animals space is always a sound habit.
Useful Gear for Bear Country
Simple gear can make camp easier to manage. A bear-resistant food container can help protect food where local rules allow that storage method. A reliable camping headlamp is also useful when checking camp after dark.
What Hunters Should Do Before the 2026 Season
- Check the current Bear Harvest Zone map.
- Confirm the dates for the land you plan to hunt.
- Apply during the official permit window.
- Read the current size, tagging, and reporting rules.
- Check WMA rules if you plan to hunt public land.
- Make a safe plan for handling and moving a harvested bear.
A Better Measure of the Hunt
The 2025 season gave Florida useful field data. It also showed that a limited hunt can be run with close checks and strong compliance. Yet one season does not answer every question about bear management.
Bear numbers, habitat, roads, food, and human growth all matter. So does conflict prevention. Good wildlife management uses more than one tool. Hunters can help by knowing the rules, reporting harvests, respecting boundaries, and keeping bear country clean.