Jacksonville, FL Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- All Jacksonville parks, beaches, docks, marinas
- Protected
- Birds, waterfowl, fish, reptiles, all animals
- Exception
- Permitted hunters at approved Wildlife Management Areas
- Penalty
- Class C offense, fine up to $100
- Citation
- Ordinance Code § 28.718
Summary
Hunting, trapping, or disturbing wild birds, waterfowl, fish, and reptiles is banned in every Jacksonville park, beach, dock, and marina under Ordinance Code Sec. 28.718.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt or disturb in any manner any of the fish, water fowl, birds, reptiles or any animals whatsoever present in, belonging to or preserved in any park or other recreational facility.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Jacksonville's parks rules make it unlawful to hunt or disturb, in any manner, any fish, waterfowl, birds, reptiles, or other animals present in a City park, beach, dock, marina, or other recreational facility. The ban covers wild birds nesting or roosting on park land, not just game species. A narrow carve-out lets hunters with a Division of Forestry access permit take wildlife at the Cecil Commerce Center Conservation and Recreation Corridor, or at approved Wildlife Management Areas, during authorized seasons. Enforcement runs through the Recreation and Parks Department and local law enforcement officers under Chapter 28.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 28 park rules, including hunting or disturbing birds and wildlife, is a Class C offense under Sec. 28.703(b); the Director may also levy an administrative fine of up to $100 per violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I disturb or capture birds nesting in a Jacksonville park?
Are there any exceptions to the park wildlife ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jacksonville
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Jacksonville to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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