Florida Man Accused of Killing 13 Alligators Illegally
In the quiet darkness along Florida's St. John's River, a series of late-night hunts unfolded in April 2025 that would soon capture the attention of wildlife officials and the public alike. Jacob Latreille, a 21-year-old Florida resident, allegedly led these nocturnal expeditions, armed with nothing more than a flashlight and an airboat, to hunt and kill 13 alligators. This act, far beyond the legal limits and without the necessary permits, has landed Latreille in serious legal trouble, facing multiple felony charges that could result in decades behind bars.
The Nighttime Hunts That Broke the Law
According to an affidavit supporting an arrest warrant, Latreille organized a small group to join him on his airboat for these illegal outings, as reported by PEOPLE. Under the cover of darkness, he navigated the waters of the St. John's River using only a flashlight to locate and capture the reptiles. The affidavit includes video and photographic evidence obtained from the phones of those who accompanied him, showing Latreille posing with five dead alligators in one image and several others kept on ice in the boat's front latch.
What makes this case particularly striking is the blatant disregard for Florida's strict alligator hunting regulations. Latreille allegedly killed 13 alligators during these off-season hunts, exceeding the state's legal limit by more than six times. He did so without any permits, a serious violation that has led to felony charges.
Florida's Tight Alligator Hunting Rules
Florida's alligator population is carefully managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to balance conservation efforts with public safety. Hunting alligators is legal only under a tightly controlled permit system. Each year, the FWC issues about 7,000 permits through a lottery system, with more than 15,000 applicants reportedly vying for the chance to hunt. These permits allow licensed hunters to take only two alligators annually, and only during the designated season from August 15 to November 1.
The cost of these permits is significant: $272 for Florida residents and $1,022 for out-of-state hunters. Additionally, hunters must purchase two harvest tags at $62 each, which must remain attached to the alligator carcasses until processing is complete. Hunting methods are also regulated, prohibiting firearms and limiting hunters to hand-held snares, gigs, harpoons, crossbows, or bang sticks. Nighttime hunting is allowed but only within the legal season and with proper authorization.
Why These Laws Matter
The strict regulations exist for good reasons. Alligators are a protected species in Florida, and their population management is crucial to maintaining ecological balance. The FWC's permit system ensures that hunting does not threaten the species' survival while allowing for population control. Illegal hunting, especially off-season and without permits, disrupts this balance and can lead to dangerous human-wildlife interactions.
Moreover, the laws prohibit feeding and harassing alligators, as such behavior causes them to lose their natural fear of humans, increasing the risk of attacks. The FWC also manages nuisance alligators — those that pose threats to people, pets, or property — through a specialized program that dispatches licensed trappers to remove these animals safely. Individuals are strictly forbidden from handling or killing alligators themselves unless in narrowly defined self-defense situations.
The Legal Consequences Latreille Faces
Jacob Latreille's alleged actions have serious legal implications. He was charged with 13 counts of illegal killing, possessing, or capturing of American alligators, which is classified as a third-degree felony. If convicted on all counts, Latreille could face up to five years in prison per count, potentially totaling 65 years behind bars.
He was booked into custody on September 22, 2025, and released after posting a $6,500 bond. As of now, he has not retained a lawyer, and no court date has been set. The severity of the charges reflects Florida's commitment to enforcing its wildlife laws and deterring illegal hunting activities.
What You Should Know About Alligator Hunting in Florida
If you're curious about alligator hunting or simply want to understand the rules better, here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Hunting is only legal during the official season, from August 15 to November 1.
- Hunters must obtain a permit through a lottery system, which is highly competitive.
- Only two alligators can be legally harvested per permit per year.
- Hunting methods are restricted to non-firearm tools like snares and gigs.
- Nighttime hunting is allowed but only with proper permits and during the season.
- Possession of alligator parts requires documentation proving lawful origin.
- Feeding or harassing alligators is illegal and can lead to fines or jail time.
- Nuisance alligators should be reported to the FWC, not handled by individuals.
Understanding these rules helps protect both the alligator population and public safety. It also highlights why cases like Latreille's are taken so seriously by authorities.
A Cautionary Tale
Jacob Latreille's story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of respecting wildlife laws. While the idea of hunting alligators under the moonlight with just a flashlight might sound like an adventurous tale, the reality is far more serious. Illegal hunting threatens conservation efforts, endangers public safety, and carries heavy legal penalties.
If you ever find yourself near Florida's waterways, remember that these ancient reptiles are protected by law for a reason. The next time you hear about a daring nighttime hunt, consider the consequences that come with breaking the rules. In Latreille's case, those consequences could mean decades in prison.
References: Florida Man Hunted and Killed 13 Alligators on Late Night Boat Trips | Florida Alligator Laws: Regulations on Hunting, Possession, and Feeding | Is It Legal to Kill Alligators in Florida?
