Delray Beach, FL Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

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.