The main phone number for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is 850-488-4676, which reaches the agency’s Tallahassee headquarters. Most callers, though, need one of the FWC’s specialized hotlines: 888-404-3922 for wildlife violations and injured wildlife, 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. Picking the right number gets your call to the people who actually handle the issue.
Headquarters and Regional Offices
The Tallahassee headquarters at 850-488-4676 handles general administrative questions and statewide policy. For anything local, such as wildlife management area access, habitat questions, or hunter safety courses, one of five regional offices is the better call.1Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Contact an Office at the FWC
- 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
Regional offices also process Wildlife Management Area special-use permits. The regional director or area manager for the specific location handles approval.2Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Recreational Land Use Permits
Wildlife Alert Hotline: 888-404-3922
The Wildlife Alert Hotline runs 24 hours a day for reporting suspected fish, wildlife, or boating violations, including illegal hunting, poaching, out-of-season fishing, and boating violations. From a cell phone you can also dial *FWC or #FWC to reach a dispatcher.3Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Wildlife Alert – Report a Violation If you’d rather not call, tips can be submitted online at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
You can report anonymously, and Florida law protects your identity. You won’t be required to testify in court, and tips that lead to an arrest or citation may qualify for a cash reward that scales with the severity of the violation.4Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Reward Categories
Injured or Stranded Wildlife
The same 888-404-3922 line handles reports of sick, injured, or dead marine mammals, including dolphins and whales, along with injured or dead manatees, sea turtles, and Florida panthers. For a marine mammal situation, press 7 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 to handle the animal, and only trappers under contract with the FWC and holding specialized permits are authorized to remove them.6Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program7Legal Information Institute. Florida Administrative Code 68A-25.003 – Taking and Disposal of Nuisance-Alligators Statewide
Don’t try to trap, kill, or relocate an alligator yourself. Killing one without FWC authorization is a third-degree felony under Florida law, which can carry up to five years in prison, and any equipment used in the violation, including weapons, vehicles, and boats, is subject to confiscation.8The Florida Legislature. Florida Code 379.409 – Illegal Killing or Possession of Alligators or Other Crocodilia9The Florida Legislature. Florida Code 379.401 – Penalties and Violations For alligators under four feet that aren’t posing an immediate threat, the FWC recommends giving them space rather than calling.
Invasive Species Hotline: 888-483-4681
The Invasive Species Hotline (888-IVE-GOT1) is staffed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with voicemail after hours. Call this number for high-priority species, which include all nonnative snakes, monitor lizards, and tegus.10Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Report Sightings of Nonnative Species
For lower-priority sightings like small nonnative lizards or iguanas, the FWC prefers reports through the free IveGot1 app or the web form at IveGot1.org. Include a clear photograph, the location with GPS coordinates if possible, and the date of the sighting.
Fish Kill Hotline: 800-636-0511
To report a fish kill, diseased fish, or fish with unusual abnormalities, call the FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute at 800-636-0511. Leave a detailed message with your contact information, and a biologist will typically follow up the next business day if more information is needed.11Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Red Tide-Related Hotlines and Information Sources The line handles environmental fish kills, including those caused by red tide. It does not handle cleanup of dead fish on beaches; local municipalities manage that.
Licensing and Permit Phone Numbers
The FWC runs two toll-free lines for buying recreational licenses over the phone. Call 888-486-8356 (888-HUNT-FLORIDA) for hunting licenses and 888-347-4356 (888-FISH-FLORIDA) for fishing licenses. Both lines can also help with seasonal limited-entry permits and technical issues on the Go Outdoors Florida online portal.12Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. How to Order Your License or Permit for Hunting, Fishing, or Other Outdoor Activity Licenses can also be bought and stored on a phone through the free Fish|Hunt FL app.
Boating and Hunter Education Contacts
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, who operates a boat with an engine of 10 horsepower or more on Florida waters must complete an approved boating safety course and carry a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card. Questions about obtaining or replacing the card go to bobbercard@myfwc.com rather than a phone line.13Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Boating Safety Education Identification Card Boat registration and titling are not an FWC matter; the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles handles those.
Hunter safety course questions go through the regional offices listed above. Anyone born on or after June 1, 1975, must complete a hunter safety course before buying a Florida hunting license for use with a firearm, bow, or crossbow.14Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Hunter Safety Requirement