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Collier County, FL Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

County code
Collier County Code sec. 14-42
Requirement
FWC license plus on-site confinement
Class I wildlife
Not allowed as personal pets
Exhibition
Licensed zoos/circuses/schools only
Regulator
Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC)

Summary

Collier County Code sec. 14-42 makes it unlawful to keep a wild animal unless you are licensed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the animal is confined on your premises, or you keep it for exhibition as a licensed circus, zoo, attraction, or educational institution.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Collier County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

It shall be unlawful for any person to maintain or keep a wild animal except: 1. Owners licensed by the State Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and confined to the owner's premises in a cage or enclosure. 2. A wild animal for exhibition purposes maintained by a licensed circus, zoo, attraction or educational institution.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 126 | Land Development Code: Supplement 33).

Full Breakdown

Under sec. 14-42, a wild animal means any living non-domesticated species defined as wildlife by the FWC's wildlife code. Keeping one without the proper FWC captive-wildlife license is prohibited. Florida separately classifies captive wildlife as Class I (dangerous, generally not allowed as personal pets), Class II, and Class III, each with its own FWC permitting, caging, and experience requirements. Licensed owners must confine the animal to their premises in a cage or enclosure.

Violations & Fines

Keeping a wild animal without an FWC license violates sec. 14-42 (county civil citation) and state captive-wildlife law, which carries FWC penalties and possible seizure of the animal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep an exotic animal as a pet in Collier County?
Only if you hold the required FWC captive-wildlife license and confine the animal on your premises. Class I dangerous species are generally barred as personal pets.
Do reptiles or small exotics need a permit?
Many Class III species require an FWC permit or no-cost license. Check FWC captive-wildlife rules before acquiring any non-domesticated animal.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Collier County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSignificant RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Water RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresLight RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsBeekeepingSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsWildlife FeedingHeavy RestrictionsBird ProtectionHeavy RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsMicrochippingSome RestrictionsPet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsPet Store RulesSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: FireworksSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningSignificant RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Rainwater HarvestingFew Restrictions

All Collier County rules

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