Pinellas Park bans wild and exotic animals as pets in residential areas under Chapter 5. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also regulates Class I, II, and III wildlife. Permits issued by FWC are required for many species statewide.
Pinellas Park's Chapter 5, Article II (Animal Control) restricts the keeping of wild, dangerous, or exotic animals in residential zoning districts. The city defers to Florida Administrative Code Chapter 68A-6 and FWC permitting for captive wildlife. Class I wildlife (lions, tigers, chimpanzees, bears) is prohibited as personal pets statewide. Class II species (cougars, wolves, large primates) require FWC permits, financial responsibility documentation, and caging standards. Class III animals (most reptiles, ferrets, parrots) require a no-cost permit if kept for personal use. Even with FWC permits, Pinellas Park may prohibit such animals on residential lots.
Possessing prohibited exotics can lead to city code citations, FWC criminal charges (misdemeanor or felony depending on class), seizure of the animal, and per-day fines.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle exotic pets.
See how Pinellas Park's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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