Palm Coast, FL Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Florida has the most comprehensive state-level exotic animal framework in the country, administered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under Florida Statute Chapter 379 ('Fish and Wildlife Conservation') and FWC rules in Chapters 68A-6 and 68A-25 of the Florida Administrative Code. CLASS I (FWC Rule 68A-6.002) - the most dangerous wildlife including big cats (lion, tiger, leopard, jaguar, cheetah, cougar/mountain lion - though cougars also appear on Class II in some categorizations), bears, gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, baboons, gibbons, rhinoceros, hippopotamus, elephants, Cape buffalo, Komodo dragon, and crocodiles - is PROHIBITED from private ownership; only registered Class I exhibitors with a USDA Animal Welfare Act license and FWC Class I license may possess these species, and Florida law has been progressively tightening Class I rules. The federal Big Cat Public Safety Act of 2022 separately prohibits private big-cat ownership nationwide. CLASS II - cougars (in some FWC tables), bobcats, servals, caracals, wolves, coyotes, hyenas, ostriches, alligators (over 4 feet), large macaques, howler monkeys, gibbons (where not Class I), and similar - requires an FWC Class II license, currently a $140-$300 fee depending on species count, documented 1,000 hours of substantial practical experience with the species (or equivalent education), an approved secure caging facility inspected by an FWC officer, written critical-incident/emergency plan, and a $10,000 surety bond or comparable liability insurance. CLASS III - most other captive wildlife (small primates, kangaroos, parrots in regulated species, most non-venomous reptiles, sugar gliders, etc.) - requires a no-cost FWC Class III permit unless the species is on the FWC 'Conditional/Prohibited' list or is exempt (common pet trade species like domestic ferrets, hamsters, gerbils, parakeets, common aquarium fish, and small non-venomous lizards are generally exempt). VENOMOUS REPTILES and reptiles of concern (e.g., Burmese pythons, reticulated pythons, African rock pythons, green anacondas, Nile monitors) are separately regulated under FWC Rule 68A-6.002 with permit, caging, and escape-protocol requirements; non-native reticulated pythons and Burmese pythons are now on the FWC Prohibited Species List under FS 379.372 and may not be acquired or possessed as personal pets (limited grandfather provisions). FS 379.401 establishes the misdemeanor and felony penalty structure (Class I violations are first-degree misdemeanors escalating to third-degree felonies for repeat offenses). The City of Palm Coast does not have a separate exotic-pet ordinance in Chapter 8 of the City Code, relying entirely on the FWC framework, with Palm Coast Animal Control (386-986-2520) coordinating with FWC Law Enforcement (FWC dispatch 888-404-FWCC). FWC's annual Exotic Pet Amnesty Day program in northeast Florida accepts surrender of illegally held exotics without penalty and rehomes the animals with qualified adopters.