Tarpon Springs Chapter 4 limits permitted household pets to listed species and treats wild, feral, exotic, or dangerous animals as prohibited, while FWC Class I and II permits remain required under state law.
Tarpon Springs Code of Ordinances Chapter 4 defines 'household pets' as species that normally live with humans, listing dogs, cats, tropical fish, small non-venomous reptiles up to eight feet long, hamsters, gerbils, hedgehogs, guinea pigs, tarantulas, rabbits, and birds. 'Wild animals' are separately defined to include feral, exotic, dangerous, or non-domestic species, including alligators, badgers, and bears, and are not permitted as household pets. Anyone keeping species regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) must also hold the appropriate Class I, II, or III captive-wildlife permit, and the city's restrictions apply on top of those state requirements.
Civil citations, animal seizure, and referral to FWC for unpermitted captive wildlife; daily fines for failing to remove prohibited animals.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle exotic pets.
See how Tarpon Springs's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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