Ocoee, FL Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

FL §379.3761 and §379.3762 establish the statewide Class I/II/III captive wildlife permitting system, administered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under Rule 68A-6 FAC. Class I species (lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, bears, gorillas, chimpanzees, crocodiles over 5 feet) are prohibited as personal pets; only accredited zoos and qualified exhibitors hold Class I licenses. Class II species (cougars, wolves, bobcats, macaques, baboons, alligators) require a Class II permit, 1,000 hours of documented experience, and FWC-approved caging. Class III species (most reptiles, ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, small parrots, non-venomous snakes under statutory size) generally do not require a permit for personal use but may require a no-cost Class III license for certain species. Florida banned private ownership and breeding of nonnative reptiles of concern (Burmese pythons, green anacondas, Nile monitors, tegus) in 2021 under Rule 68-5.007. Ocoee code defers entirely to FWC; local animal control enforces per-household pet limits and nuisance laws but not species classifications.