Coyote Season in Florida: Mating, Pups and Pet Safety

Coyotes mate in late winter. Across the 37 states whose wildlife agency or extension service dates it, February is named by every one of them, and 35 put mating entirely between January and March. Expect more howling and bolder coyotes in Florida in those months.

Coyote pups in Florida are born from March to May. UF/IFAS Extension puts it this way: “Pups are typically born from March through May, usually in litters of 5–7 pups.”

Yes. Coyote hunting is open all year in Florida with no bag limit, under the 2026 to 2027 rules from FWC. You need a Florida hunting license (residents hunting on their own homestead in their county of residence are exempt). On hunting at night: “Raccoons, opossums and coyotes may be taken by gun during daytime and nighttime hours.”

FWC puts it this way: “In all these situations, the FWC recommends hazing coyotes and keeping small dogs on short, non-retractable leashes. Avoid the area where the coyotes may be denning . Never run from a coyote.”

FWC Regional Office. FWC puts it this way: “If a coyote is approaching people closely, allowing people to approach closely, or acting in an aggressive manner, you should contact the FWC.”

Coyote trapping is open all year in Florida under the 2026 to 2027 rules from FWC. “Raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver and skunk may be trapped statewide year round. No bag limits.”

Coyotes can take cats and small dogs, and can treat a larger dog as a threat while mating and raising pups. FWC advises: “Walk small dogs on a short leash that is less than six feet, especially at night, dusk or dawn.”