Floridians Can Now Shoot Bears In Self-Defense

Photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash

While some people would argue that if you do not bother a bear, then it will not bother you, others find bears rather threatening. So, according to House Bill 87: Taking of Bears, effective July 1, 2024, Floridians are now able to legally use lethal force against a bear in order to protect one’s self or another.

Prepared by the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and approved by Governor Ron Desantis on June 21, 2024, this bill is being considered a “Self Defense Act”. As long as the requirements for the use of lethal force are met, then the person who shoots or otherwise takes the bear’s life will not be subject to any form of civil, administrative, or criminal consequences. 

House Bill 87 details how Floridians can use lethal force against a bear if they believe that they are under threat of serious bodily harm or that their life, another person’s life, or their pet’s life is in danger. Lethal force can also be used against a bear if there is a perceived threat of “substantial damage to a dwelling”.

However, it is only legal to take lethal action against a bear if it was not lured on purpose and was not being used to train hunting dogs. In addition, this law does not protect those who intentionally place themselves or another in a situation where lethal force would be needed. 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee (FWC) also needs to be notified of the use of lethal force within 24 hours of the incident so that the bear’s body can be collected. Only the FWC is allowed to remove or dispose of the bear. Anyone who “takes a bear under this section may not possess, sell, or dispose of the bear or its parts”.

For complete details on this new law, click here to read House Bill 87. For the official summary of the bill, click here. 
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Article by Ema Tibbetts