Subject: New alligator hunting permit application process

To: Previous alligator harvest permit holders
Subject: New alligator hunting permit application process

You are receiving this message because you have previously purchased a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) alligator trapping license and permit, and we would like to inform you of upcoming changes to the application process.

Statewide alligator harvest permits were issued on a first-come, first-served basis through the FWC Total Licensing System (TLS) from 2004 through 2008. Significant problems in four out of these five years resulted in many dissatisfied customers. These problems were caused by factors overseen by the contracted vendor that hosts and operates the TLS. FWC requested and received a comprehensive assessment from the vendor about what could be done to make the first-come, first-served permit issuance process work smoothly. After thoroughly reviewing this information, FWC staff believes that similar problems will continue to occur under this issuance process, and that it is in the best interest of it’s customers that the FWC replace the first-come, first-served process during the first phase with a process that will be more reliable, fair, and user-friendly.

Consequently, for the 2009 statewide alligator harvest season, permits will be issued using a random drawing process instead of a first-come, first-served process for Phase I. Phase I of the new process will include a two week period from 10:00 A.M (Eastern time) June 1 through midnight June 15 when people can submit an application through all of the same TLS outlets as last year (Internet, Tax Collector’s Offices, and licensing agents). Only one application may be submitted per person. Subsequent phases, if needed, will allow persons to purchase permits that remain from Phase I (permits that are not awarded, or awarded and not paid for) on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more details about the new process and the latest Statewide Alligator Harvest Program news, please visit the Statewide Alligator Hunt web page.

Steve Stiegler
Alligator Management Program
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
620 S. Meridian Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600
Visit MyFWC.com/gators