In this quick guide, we will show you how to complete your Florida Hunter Education Course online.
First, Who Needs Hunter Education?
Florida law is clear: due to state regulations, hunters at least 16 years old who were born on or after June 1, 1975, must complete hunter education.
How do I get my Hunter Education Certificate (Card)
You have 3 options to complete your hunter education requirements to hunt in Florida. The first 2 options are presented by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The last option through HunterSafetyUSA, is the fastest & can be used to hunt across the US.
- Complete an in-person course through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This includes a hands-on Field Day.
- An online course with a field day component that is either virtual or in-person. The online course portion will take 8 hours to complete. Florida residents may be able to skip the field day component if they can show previous firearms training.
- Or complete our 3-hour online-only, all-video-based Hunter Education Course (Adults 17 and older only). We are an International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) and Texas Parks & Wildlife (TPWD) approved provider. The IHEA & TPWD Hunter Education Card you will receive after our course is valid for life and is accepted in all 50 US States and any additional territories or countries that share reciprocity with the IHEA. No in-person requirements are required for our course.
That's it! Choose one of these options, and you can now go buy your hunting license(s) and hunt legally for life.
What makes our course the best?
First and foremost, we offer the best technology experience among all the courses on the market. We have students who opt to take our course even though they already have their Hunter Education Card; they simply love it that much.
We break down the guide into more detail below, but if you're short on time and ready to get started, head over to our online Hunter Education Course and complete it today!
An Overview of the Hunter Education Course for FL Hunters
Our hunter safety course is:
- Online-only, no in-person course required, so you won't need to attend a field day.
- All video-based, so there's no requirement to read anything. It includes closed captions, and you can search the video by keyword.
- Self-paced, meaning you can come and go as needed. Your progress is automatically saved.
- 3 hours long, covering essential hunter safety education topics, including archery and a comprehensive field day component, making it one of the fastest ways to complete your requirements.
- You can do it from your phone, computer, or tablet, or switch between them if you like.
- Unlimited exam attempts.
- Your TPWD issued Hunter Education Card is valid in all 50 US States, including Illinois, as well as Mexico and Canada.
- We offer a 100% money-back guarantee.
Sign Up for the HunterSafetyUSA Course Online
Sign up for the course, pay, & provide your information for your hunter education certificate. Make sure it matches your driver's license or state ID, if you have one.
What to Expect from the Online Hunter Education Course
This is an overview of our course landing page, showing the 5 units you must complete to take the final exam:
Here is an example of a unit section. You have the choice to watch the video or read the material for each section:
Here is an example of the video content found throughout our course for each section, with a focus on hunter safety, found within the 5 units:
The Hunter Safety Final Exam
The final exam is 60 multiple-choice questions, and your scores are provided immediately.
To pass, you need a score of 80% or higher. If you’re nervous about the exam, remember:
Every answer is covered during the course, which aligns with NRA guidelines on gun safety and education.
Our course allows unlimited retake attempts if you fail the first time.
Here are a few example questions you might encounter:
- What is the safest direction to point a firearm?
- Which of the following is an ethical hunting or trapping practice?
- What should you do first if you become lost in the woods?
Review the provided study materials and quiz yourself at home. Repetition and real-world application (even dry-firing a toy gun or role-playing scenarios) help solidify learning.
Getting your Hunter Education Certification
Once you have completed the course, you can see your exam pass rate and temporary certificate here:
You can click the certificate page to see, save & print your temporary certificate:
You will receive a final certificate of completion upon completing our course and passing the final exam. We encourage users to print this certificate as it will act as your temporary Hunter Education Certificate until your permanent certificate is ready for download from the State, approximately 7-10 business days following the completion of your course.
Receiving your state-issued hunter education card
Once you complete the certification, we submit your course results to TPWD. They will issue and email you your permanent Hunter Education Certificate (card). This is valid for use in all 50 USA States (including Florida), Mexico, Canada, and any other country or US Territory that has reciprocity with IHEA-USA & State (TPWD) Issued Hunter Education Certificates.
You will receive this email from "TPWD Element LMS" when your permanent certificate is ready for download in approximately 7-10 business days.
Treat your card like a driver’s license. You can either print it and store it in your wallet or keep a digital copy on your phone. Keep it safe, as you’ll need to show proof of certification when applying for a new hunting license or if requested by a game warden in the field.
Where to buy your Florida Hunting License
As soon as you receive your TPWD Hunter Education Card, you are now eligible to go and buy your hunting license in whichever states you plan on legally hunting in.
To hunt in Florida, you can purchase your license either online through the official licensing platform Go Outdoors Florida or in person at an authorized licensing agent. A comprehensive list of in-person agents is available here: Locate a Florida Hunt & Fish Licensing Agent.
Below are some suggested authorized in-person hunting license agents in the state of Florida:
- Walmart Supercenter – Orlando, FL Address: 2500 S Kirkman Rd, Orlando, FL 32811 Phone: (407) 290-6977
- Bass Pro Shops – Fort Myers, FL Address: 10040 Gulf Center Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33913 Phone: (239) 461-7800
- Dick's Sporting Goods – Tampa, FL Address: 2223 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607 Phone: (813) 874-2200
- Gulf Breeze Bait and Tackle – Gulf Breeze, FL Address: 825 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 Phone: (850) 932-6789
- Leon County Tax Collector's Office – Tallahassee, FL Address: 1276 Metropolitan Blvd #102, Tallahassee, FL 32312 Phone: (850) 606-4700
After the Florida Hunter Education Course: What’s Next for Hunters
Having a Hunter Education Certificate, whether you earn it in New Mexico, Texas, West Virginia, or elsewhere, opens many doors outside of simply purchasing a hunting license, including opportunities with the NRA, firearm hunting, and wildlife conservation.
All states accept our online-only Hunter Education Course if you're an adult and 17 or older, with a focus on hunter safety.
Some insurance companies, including those offering ATV insurance, provide discounts for hunter safety education graduates.
Additional courses—like advanced archery, bowhunting, basic hunter-trapper education, or advanced hunter-trapper education—are available if you are interested in expanding your skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I sign up for the course before the hunting season?
Ideally, take your course by summer so you don’t miss out during the license purchase rush in late summer and fall.
How much does it cost to get your Hunter Education Certificate?
$29 with HunterSafetyUSA. We accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, all major credit cards, and signature debit cards. We also offer a 100% money-back guarantee.
Will the Texas Hunter Education Card (Certificate) be accepted in Florida?
Yes, the permanent Texas Parks & Wildlife Hunter Education Card (Certification) is recognized by all states and provinces with mandatory hunter education requirements due to reciprocity agreements with the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA).
Can I take the Florida hunter safety course online?
Yes, our online hunter's education course is fully online & only 3 hours long. It covers essential hunter safety education topics, making it one of the fastest ways to complete your requirements.