Plant City, FL Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Alligator Feeding
- FL 379.412 misdemeanor
- Bears/Cranes
- FWC rule prohibits
- Max Penalty
- 60 days jail, 500 dollars
- Local Context
- Alafia River gator habitat
Summary
Feeding wildlife, especially alligators, bears, sandhill cranes, and raccoons, is illegal under Florida Statute 379.412 and FWC rules. Plant City has significant alligator habitat along area lakes and ponds.
379.412 Penalties for feeding wildlife and freshwater fish. — (1)(a) 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 identifi
Full Breakdown
FL 379.412 makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to feed alligators or crocodiles. FWC rules also prohibit feeding sandhill cranes (state-threatened), black bears, and foxes. Plant City's proximity to the Alafia River and numerous retention ponds means alligators are common, and improper feeding creates dangerous nuisance animals that must be trapped. Feeding strays or leaving pet food outdoors that attracts wildlife can trigger enforcement.
Violations & Fines
Alligator feeding is a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days jail and 500 dollar fine. Bear feeding fines start around 100 dollars.
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Plant City
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Plant City to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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Wildlife Feeding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Hillsborough County handle wildlife feeding.