Palm Coast, FL Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Palm Coast residents share their environment with a remarkable density of regulated wildlife: American alligators in every saltwater canal, freshwater pond, and golf-course water hazard in the City; black bears in the western forested portions of Flagler County and occasionally in the City limits; bald eagles nesting along the saltwater canals and at Princess Place Preserve; and sandhill cranes in the open grassland areas. Florida's statewide wildlife-feeding prohibitions therefore have real teeth in Palm Coast. (1) ALLIGATORS AND CROCODILES (FWC Rule 68A-25.002 implementing FS 372.667 / FS 379.413): It is unlawful for any person to intentionally feed, or entice with feed, any wild alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) or wild crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). Feeding includes throwing food in the water for fish to attract alligators. Violation is a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. FWC strongly emphasizes that fed alligators lose their natural wariness of humans and become aggressive, requiring euthanization by Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) trappers. (2) BLACK BEARS (FWC Rule 68A-4.001(3)): No person shall intentionally place food or garbage, allow the placement of food or garbage, or offer food or garbage in such a manner that it attracts black bears or Florida panthers and creates or contributes to a public nuisance. This includes intentionally leaving pet food outside, failing to secure garbage in bear-resistant containers in known bear range, and direct feeding. Violation is a second-degree misdemeanor under FS 379.412. Western Flagler County has documented black bear activity; bear-conflict reports to FWC have been rising as Palm Coast extends west. (3) FLORIDA PANTHERS (FWC Rule 68A-4.001(3) and federal Endangered Species Act): The Florida panther is federally endangered and Florida-listed; intentional feeding is prohibited and is also a federal ESA violation. Panther presence in Flagler County is rare but documented. (4) SANDHILL CRANES (FWC Rule 68A-13.004): Florida-listed as Threatened; intentional feeding is prohibited because it leads to road mortality and human-conflict euthanasia. (5) BALD EAGLES (federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act + FWC Rule 68A-16.002): Disturbance and feeding are federally prohibited; nest-tree buffers apply within 660 feet of a known nest. Palm Coast hosts multiple active eagle nests along the saltwater canals and at Princess Place Preserve. (6) RACCOONS, FOXES, COYOTES: Not directly prohibited by FWC rule, but intentional feeding that habituates predators or creates a sanitation nuisance can be cited by Palm Coast Code Enforcement (386-986-2520) under the general nuisance and lot-maintenance provisions of the City Code. (7) BIRD FEEDERS: Songbird feeders are unregulated; best practice is to bring feeders inside at night during periods of active bear sightings west of the City. Reporting: FWC Wildlife Alert 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) or myfwc.com/wildlifealert; for alligator removal call SNAP at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).