There had been little to choose between the Bantams and last season's Blue Square Bet Premier League champions when Hanson broke the deadlock in the 60th minute, rising above the visitors' defence to score with a downward header from just inside the six yard area.
Bradford created few clear cut chances in an evenly fought first half and had a narrow escape when Fleetwood close season signing and much-travelled striker Jon Parkin put David Ball through on goal in the 26th minute.
Ball's right-footed shot beat goalkeeper Matt Duke, but rebounded off the crossbar.
Bradford also hit the woodwork two minutes into the second half when Zavon Hines' shot rebounded off team-mate Nahki Wells on to the crossbar.
After Hanson put the home side in front, Fleetwood hit the woodwork for the second time when substitute Andrew Mangan headed Dean Howell's cross against a post in the 69th minute.
