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

Sec. 14-62 governs redemption and disposition of impounded animals generally, giving owners three business days to reclaim an animal before it becomes county property. Subsection (i) singles out 'exotic invasive animal species', Sec. 14-31 defines 'exotic species' as any nondomestic animal whose natural habitat lies outside Florida, and provides that if one is found running at large and impounded, it will be humanely euthanized unless the owner produces proof of proper licensing or permitting for that species, which for most exotic and wild species means a permit issued under the state Wildlife Code referenced in Sec.

14-31's 'wild animal' definition. The only carve-out from euthanasia applies if the county releases the animal to an educational facility for study to help control the species, or for public-education use about the dangers the species poses. Because the county's animal ordinances otherwise regulate only dogs and cats, this subsection functions as Volusia's sole local check on exotic pet ownership: it does not license or inspect exotic-pet keeping directly, but it removes the safety net of redemption for anyone whose exotic animal escapes without a valid state permit standing behind it.