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Escambia County, FL Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Regulator
Florida FWC
Bear rule
F.A.C. 68A-4.001
Alligators/crocodiles
Feeding illegal statewide
Penalty statute
F.S. § 379.412 (tiered)
First offense
$100 civil penalty

Summary

Feeding wild animals is restricted statewide by Florida FWC rules. It is illegal to intentionally feed bears, alligators, crocodiles, and several other species; violations escalate from civil penalties to criminal misdemeanors under F.S. § 379.412.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Escambia County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The FWC has several rules that prohibit feeding wildlife, including bears, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, pelicans, sandhill cranes, bald eagles, alligators and crocodiles.

View official code

Full Breakdown

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission enforces several wildlife-feeding prohibitions that apply throughout Escambia County. Rule 68A-4.001 bars intentionally feeding black bears, foxes, raccoons, and other listed species, and separate rules prohibit feeding wild alligators and crocodiles. FWC states it 'has several rules that prohibit feeding wildlife, including bears, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, pelicans, sandhill cranes, bald eagles, alligators and crocodiles.' Since 2015 (F.S. § 379.412), penalties are tiered: a first offense is a civil penalty, escalating to first-degree-misdemeanor criminal charges for repeat bear and crocodilian feeding. Leaving out garbage or food that attracts bears can also be cited.

Violations & Fines

Under F.S. § 379.412, wildlife-feeding starts at a $100 civil penalty and escalates; repeat bear/crocodilian offenses become first-degree misdemeanors punishable by up to 1 year jail and $1,000 fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal to feed alligators or bears in Florida?
Yes. FWC rules prohibit intentionally feeding bears, alligators, crocodiles, and other listed wildlife anywhere in the state, including Escambia County.
What is the penalty for feeding wildlife?
Under F.S. § 379.412, penalties are tiered: a first offense is a civil fine starting at $100, rising to first-degree-misdemeanor charges for repeat bear or crocodilian feeding.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Escambia County

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All Escambia County rules

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