Delray Beach, FL Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Alligators
- Illegal to feed
- State Law
- FL §379.412
- Fine
- Up to $500
- Sea Turtles
- Protected Mar-Oct
- Beach
- No feeding
Summary
Feeding alligators, bears, foxes, raccoons, and sandhill cranes is illegal under FL §379.412 and FWC Rule 68A-4.001. Delray Beach's coastal proximity makes feeding sea birds and beach wildlife a particular concern. Sea turtle nesting protections apply March-October.
The penalties in this section apply to a violation of any rule or order of the commission that prohibits or restricts:1. 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):
Full Breakdown
Under FL §379.412 and Florida Administrative Code 68A-4.001, it is unlawful to intentionally feed or, by negligence, allow the feeding of wild American alligators, American crocodiles, black bears, foxes, raccoons, sandhill cranes, and several other species. Feeding habituates wildlife to humans and is the leading cause of 'nuisance' killings. In Delray Beach, the 2-mile Atlantic Ocean frontage is a designated Marine Turtle Nesting Beach (loggerhead, green, leatherback) protected under FL §370.12 and FWC Marine Turtle Protection rules; feeding, harassing, or disturbing nesting sea turtles is a federal Endangered Species Act and state violation carrying potential $500-$5,000 fines. The Delray Beach Sea Turtle Lighting Ordinance (adopted to comply with FWC model ordinance) additionally restricts beachfront lighting March 1-October 31. Feeding seagulls, pelicans, and ibis on the beach is discouraged under FWC shore-bird protections and can trigger nuisance-bird citations. Feeding feral cats on public property requires a TNR (trap-neuter-return) permit from Palm Beach County Animal Care.
Violations & Fines
Feeding alligators or prohibited wildlife: up to $500 and/or 60 days in jail (2nd-degree misdemeanor under FL §379.412). Sea turtle disturbance: $500-$5,000 state fine plus potential federal ESA prosecution. Feeding nuisance wildlife causing property issues: $100-$250 Delray Beach code citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put out a bird feeder in my Delray Beach backyard?
I saw a sea turtle on the beach at night: can I shine a light or get close?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Delray Beach
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Delray Beach to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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Wildlife Feeding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Palm Beach County handle wildlife feeding.