Keeping exotic or wild animals in Lee County is governed by the state, not the county. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) classifies wildlife as Class I, II, or III and requires a permit to possess captive wildlife of the type and number FWC approves.
Lee County Ordinance 14-22 defines "wild animal" and "exotic species" but leaves possession of captive wildlife to FWC under Chapter 379, Florida Statutes, and FWC's captive-wildlife rules (F.A.C. Chapter 68A-6). Class I wildlife (e.g., large cats, bears, great apes) generally cannot be kept as personal pets. Class II (e.g., many monkeys, smaller cats) requires a permit and experience/caging standards, and possessors of Class I or II must be at least 18. Class III covers all other wildlife (most reptiles, small mammals, exotic birds) and requires a no-cost permit to possess as a personal pet. Venomous and prohibited reptiles are separately regulated.
FWC enforces captive-wildlife licensing; violations are state offenses. Lee County Animal Services may impound exotic invasive species found at large and coordinate with FWC.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Lee County.
See how Cape Coral's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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