Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a legislative proposal to create a new standalone felony offense — aggravated illegal taking of wildlife — that would significantly enhance penalties when poachers discharge firearms near people, occupied structures, or critical infrastructure.
“Poachers who unlawfully discharge firearms near Florida homes are not just stealing our wildlife but endangering families and neighborhoods,” Uthmeier said. “This legislation would give prosecutors a powerful new tool to hold these reckless criminals accountable with second-degree felony charges, permanent loss of hunting privileges, and forfeiture of their weapons. Floridians deserve to feel safe in their communities, and our natural resources must be protected for future generations.”
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What the proposal would do
Under the proposal, a person commits aggravated illegal taking of wildlife if they take, kill, possess, or attempt to take any wildlife in violation of state law or any rule or order of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission — and knowingly discharge a firearm in furtherance of that act near any person, occupied structure, or critical infrastructure.
In addition to criminal penalties, courts would be required to order the permanent revocation of all hunting and wildlife-related licenses and permits, as well as permanent ineligibility for future licenses. Courts would also be required to order forfeiture of the firearm used in the offense and any other equipment, vehicle, or vessel involved in the violation.
The proposal would also establish a standalone third-degree felony for poaching while committing trespass, and would place criminal violations of Chapter 379 under the jurisdiction of the Statewide Prosecutor to strengthen consistent, aggressive statewide prosecution.
Broad support from law enforcement, wildlife officials
The announcement drew support from wildlife and law enforcement officials across the state.
“Today’s announcement of increased penalties for poaching ensures our officers have the resources they need to hold criminals accountable,” said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Executive Director Roger Young. “These tougher penalties reinforces Florida’s commitment to conserving our wildlife and natural resources for generations to come.”
Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford also voiced his support for the proposal.
“We are committed to working with our state partners to protect our natural resources and ensure that those who recklessly engage in poaching don’t endanger citizens,” Ford said.
Florida Land Council Chairman Joshua Kellam emphasized the role of collaboration in wildlife conservation.
“Florida’s fish and wildlife are a shared natural heritage and protecting them requires all of us working together,” Kellam said. “Fair and consistent enforcement supports ethical sportsmen and women while helping conserve these resources for future generations. Through strong partnerships, education, and appropriate enforcement, Florida remains committed to combating poaching while protecting our state’s natural resources and Floridians’ right to hunt and fish.”
Poaching remains persistent threat in Florida
Poaching in Florida — the illegal hunting, capturing, killing, or trafficking of fish and wildlife — remains a persistent threat despite strong legal protections and the recovery of some historically over-hunted species. What was once large-scale commercial overharvest that drove species near extinction has evolved into a mix of opportunistic game violations, targeted taking of protected species, and organized trafficking for black markets.
Florida’s extensive coastline, vast wetlands, Everglades, and remote waterways make comprehensive enforcement challenging. In 2021, Florida added all wildlife crimes to the state’s RICO statute to better address organized poaching operations.
How to report poaching
Law enforcement relies heavily on public tips to catch poachers. Citizens can report suspected violations to the Wildlife Alert Reward Program by calling 888-404-FWCC, or by dialing #FWC from a cell phone. Tips can also be submitted online at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert. Tips can be anonymous, and if the information results in an arrest or citation, the tipster may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.