Apopka, FL Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Florida Statute 379.412 and Florida Administrative Code Rule 68A-4.001 prohibit the intentional feeding of wild alligators, crocodiles, bears, sandhill cranes, foxes, raccoons, coyotes, and pelicans. This is enforced statewide by FWC officers and in Apopka is particularly relevant because the city fronts the northern shore of Lake Apopka — Florida's fourth-largest lake and home to an estimated 2,000+ American alligators, black bears in the Wekiva Basin State Forest and Rock Springs Run, and sandhill cranes that nest in subdivisions like Rock Springs Ridge and Errol Estates. Feeding an alligator is a second-degree misdemeanor under FL 379.412, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. Bear feeding violations carry a first-offense $100 fine and escalate to $500 and misdemeanor charges on subsequent offenses after the 2022 FWC rule update. Unintentional feeding (pet food left outside, unsecured trash, fruit dropped from citrus trees) can result in a warning but not a citation. Orange County has no additional wildlife feeding ordinance, and Apopka relies on state law entirely. Report feeding or nuisance wildlife to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.