Florida law prohibits intentional feeding of black bears, alligators, crocodiles, sandhill cranes, foxes, raccoons, and pelicans. These FWC rules apply statewide regardless of local ordinances.
Under Section 379.412 and Rule 68A-4.001, F.A.C., it is illegal to intentionally place food or attractants for designated wildlife. Feeding bears violates 68A-4.001(3) and includes leaving unsecured trash, pet food, or birdseed accessible after a written warning. Feeding alligators or crocodiles is a Level Two violation under 379.412. The 2024 Florida Black Bear conservation plan strengthened bear-attractant rules in seven designated bear-conflict counties. Local governments may add complementary trash-securing ordinances but cannot authorize feeding.
Feeding bears or alligators is a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $500 and 60 days in jail. Repeat alligator-feeding offenses can become first-degree misdemeanors with fines up to $1,000.
See how Navarre's wildlife feeding rules stack up against other locations.
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