Apopka, FL Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- FL Statute 379.412
- Alligator Fine
- Up to $500 + 60 days jail
- Bear Fine
- $100-$500 escalating
- Lake Apopka
- Major gator habitat
- Hotline
- FWC 888-404-3922
Summary
Feeding alligators, bears, sandhill cranes, and foxes is prohibited under FL Statute 379.412. Apopka borders Lake Apopka with a significant alligator population, and feeding wildlife can bring second-degree misdemeanor charges plus state fines up to $500.
Feeding wildlife or freshwater fish with food or garbage; 2. Attracting or enticing wildlife or freshwater fish with food or garbage; or 3. Allowing the placement of food or garbage in a manner that attracts or entices wildlife or freshwater fish. (b) This section does not apply to rules or orders of the commission relating to: 1. Animals held in captivity; 2. Restricting the taking or hunting of species over bait or intentionally placed or deposited food; or 3. Restricting the taking or hunting of species in proximity to feeding stations. (2) A person who violates a prohibition or restriction identified in subsection (1): (a) For a first violation, commits a noncriminal infraction, punishable by a civil penalty of $100. 1.
Full Breakdown
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. 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.
Violations & Fines
Alligator feeding: second-degree misdemeanor, up to $500 fine and 60 days jail (FL 379.412). Bear feeding: $100 first offense, $500 second, misdemeanor charges third (FAC 68A-4.001). Sandhill crane feeding: noncriminal infraction up to $500.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is feeding ducks at a retention pond illegal?
What if a bear is eating from my bird feeder?
I saw my neighbor throwing chicken at an alligator. What do I do?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Apopka
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Apopka to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Wildlife Feeding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle wildlife feeding.