Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced a legislative proposal aimed at toughening penalties for poaching, introducing a new felony charge for individuals who fire weapons near people, occupied homes, or critical infrastructure while illegally hunting.
The proposal creates a standalone offense called “aggravated illegal taking of wildlife.” Under the proposed language, a person commits this crime if they illegally take, kill, possess, or attempt to take wildlife while knowingly discharging a firearm near a person, occupied structure, or critical infrastructure.
The charge would carry second-degree felony penalties. Convictions would also require mandatory permanent revocation of all hunting licenses and permits, as well as the forfeiture of any firearms, equipment, vehicles, or vessels used during the crime.
“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.”
Beyond the aggravated taking charge, the measure would establish a standalone third-degree felony for poaching committed while trespassing. Additionally, the proposal transfers jurisdiction over criminal violations of state fish and wildlife laws (Chapter 379) to the Office of the Statewide Prosecutor to standardize prosecution efforts across county lines.
State conservation and law enforcement leaders voiced support for the measure following the announcement.
“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 (FWC) 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 echoed those sentiments, noting local law enforcement’s role in public safety. “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.
Representatives from land conservation groups also weighed in on the proposed enforcement measures.
“Florida’s fish and wildlife are a shared natural heritage and protecting them requires all of us working together,” said Florida Land Council Chairman Joshua Kellam. “Fair and consistent enforcement supports ethical sportsmen and women while helping conserve these resources for future generations.”
Poaching tactics in Florida have shifted over time from large-scale overharvesting to a blend of opportunistic game violations and organized black-market trafficking. In 2021, state lawmakers added wildlife crimes to Florida’s RICO statute to target organized poaching rings. However, state officials note that enforcement across Florida’s vast coastline, remote waterways, and wetlands remains a logistically difficult task.
Because of the state’s sprawling terrain, law enforcement agencies depend heavily on information from the public. Residents can submit anonymous tips regarding suspected illegal hunting to the Wildlife Alert Reward Program by calling 888-404-FWCC or visiting MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert. Tips that result in an arrest or citation may qualify for a reward of up to $1,000.
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