TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)— Bear harvest permit applications for the 2025 hunting season are set to open today.

The application opens today at 10 a.m. and can be submitted through Sept. 22 at 11:59 p.m.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, a bear harvest permit is required to harvest a bear in one of the four selected Bear Harvest Zones from Dec. 6 through 28.

The bear harvest zones are: • East Panhandle zone • North zone, by the Florida-Georgia state line • Central zone • South zone

Hunters must also have a hunting license unless they are exempt.

According to the FWC, applicants must be at least 18 years old by October 1 to apply.

Applicants can apply as many times as they want, and the fee is $5 per application, plus handling fees.

FWC said permits w

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