Escambia County, FL Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- County definition
- Wild = non-domestic per § 10-3
- State regulator
- Florida FWC
- Permit classes
- Class I, II, III wildlife
- Class I
- Prohibited as personal pets
- Common pets
- Dogs, cats, poultry exempt
Summary
Escambia County Code defines 'wild animal' broadly and excludes ordinary domestic pets. Keeping true exotic or wild species is governed statewide by Florida FWC captive-wildlife permitting, which classifies animals into Class I, II, and III and requires permits.
Wild animal means any living member of the kingdom Animalia, including those born or raised in captivity, except the following:
(1)The species Homo Sapiens (human beings).(2)The species Canis Familiaris (domesticated dogs, including hybrids with wolves, coyotes, and jackals).(3)The species Felis Catus (domesticated cats, including hybrids with ocelots or margays).(4)The species Equus Caballus (domesticated horses).(5)The species Equus Asinus (asses/donkeys).(6)The species Bos Taurus (cattle).(7)The subspecies Ovis Ammon Aries (sheep).(8)Domesticated races of the species Gallus or Meleagris Gallopavo (poultry).(9)Domesticated races of the species Mesocricetus Auratus (golden hamsters).(10)Domesticated races of the subspecies Cavia Aperea Procellus (guinea pigs).(11)Domesticated races of rats or mice (white or albino, trained, laboratory-reared).(12)Domesticated races of the species Oryctolagus Cuniculus (rabbits).(13)All captive-bred members of the species of the families Psittacidae (parrots, parakeets), Anatidae (ducks), Fringillidae (finches), and Columbidae (doves and pigeons).(14)All captive-bred members of the species Serinius Canaria of the class Aves (canaries).(15)Domesticated races of the species Carassius Auratus (goldfish).(16)Captive-bred members of the superorder Teleostei of the class Osteichthyes (common aquarium fish). (Ord. No. 2026-22, § 2, 5-21-2026)
Cross reference— Definitions generally, § 1-2.
Full Breakdown
Escambia Code § 10-3 defines a wild animal as 'any living member of the kingdom Animalia, including those born or raised in captivity, except' the listed domestics: dogs, cats, horses, cattle, poultry, rabbits, and common caged birds and fish. Anything outside that list is treated as wild. Possession of genuinely exotic species (big cats, primates, venomous reptiles) is regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission under Chapter 379, which sorts species into Class I (prohibited as pets), Class II, and Class III and requires state permits and caging standards. County animal-nuisance and cruelty rules still apply to any animal kept.
Violations & Fines
Possessing captive wildlife without the required FWC permit is a violation of F.S. Ch. 379; county code violations for wild or nuisance animals are civil infractions with fines up to $500.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep an exotic animal in Escambia County?
What counts as a wild animal locally?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Escambia County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Escambia County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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