Davie, FL Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Davie's animal code (Chapter 4) addresses dogs and livestock but does not establish a separate licensing or possession scheme for exotic or wild animals. Those are regulated at the state level by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under Chapter 379, Florida Statutes and Chapter 68A-6 of the Florida Administrative Code (Captive Wildlife). FWC sorts wildlife into three classes: Class I (the most dangerous - large cats, bears, great apes, crocodiles, and similar species) generally may not be possessed as personal pets; Class II (e.g., many monkeys, smaller wild cats, alligators) requires a permit such as a License to Possess Wildlife for Personal Use (PPL); and Class III (all other regulated wildlife) requires a no-cost permit and, where kept as a pet, a Personal Pet questionnaire. Possession standards, caging requirements, source documentation, and experience/financial criteria are set out in Sections 379.372-379.3762, F.S. and Rule 68A-6.004, F.A.C. Venomous reptiles and reptiles of concern require a separate VRC license. Because the Florida Right to Farm Act and FWC's statewide framework occupy this field, an exotic-animal owner in Davie should look first to FWC licensing rather than to a town ordinance. Owners should contact the FWC Captive Wildlife Office to determine the class of a given species and the applicable permit before acquiring or keeping it. The Town's nuisance, cruelty (Sec. 4-65.2), and animal-keeping standards still apply to any animal kept in town.