Spring Hill, 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. Hernando County Code Chapter 6, Section 6-32 ('Wild animals') codifies the local prohibition on keeping wild animals as pets except in compliance with the FWC framework. CLASS I (FWC Rule 68A-6.002) - the most dangerous wildlife including big cats (lion, tiger, leopard, jaguar, cheetah, cougar), 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. 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, 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, regulated parrots, 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 (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 Burmese and reticulated pythons are now on the FWC Prohibited Species List under FS 379.372 and may not be acquired 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). Hernando County Sec. 6-32 layered on top permits HCSO Animal Services (352-796-5062) to enforce local nuisance and welfare issues while FWC Law Enforcement (FWC dispatch 888-404-FWCC) handles the state captive-wildlife enforcement. FWC's annual Exotic Pet Amnesty Day program (held at various central-Florida zoos and aquariums) accepts surrender of illegally held exotics without penalty and rehomes them with qualified adopters.