Volusia County, FL Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Alligators
- FL §379.412 - 2nd-degree misdemeanor
- FWC Rule
- 68A-4.001
- Sea Turtles
- FL §161.163 lighting
- Manatees
- FL §379.2431
- Bear Trash
- Secure containers required
Summary
Volusia County and FWC prohibit feeding bears, alligators, sandhill cranes, pelicans, and foxes. FL §379.412 bans alligator feeding (2nd-degree misdemeanor). Sea turtle lighting rules under FL §161.163 also apply on coast.
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.
Full Breakdown
Multiple Florida statutes and FWC rules apply in Volusia County. FL §379.412 makes it unlawful to feed or molest alligators, punishable as a second-degree misdemeanor. FWC Rule 68A-4.001 prohibits feeding bears, foxes, raccoons, sandhill cranes, pelicans, and other wildlife in ways that create public safety issues. Volusia County Code Ch. 14 (Animals) prohibits feeding any wild animal in a manner that attracts nuisance wildlife to a property. With black bears increasingly present in western Volusia (Deltona, DeLand, Osteen), trash must be secured in bear-resistant containers in designated Bear Management Areas. Coastal municipalities (Daytona Beach Shores, NSB, Ormond Beach) enforce sea turtle lighting restrictions under FL §161.163 during nesting season May 1-October 31, which is a form of wildlife protection closely tied to human behavior. Feeding manatees or approaching them is prohibited under the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act FL §379.2431.
Violations & Fines
Alligator feeding: 2nd-degree misdemeanor, up to 60 days jail and $500 fine per FL §379.412. FWC feeding violations: $250-$500 civil penalty. Sea turtle lighting violations: up to $500 per night per FL §161.163. Bear trash violations: $100-$500 local fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed alligators in Volusia County?
Do I need special lighting near the beach?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Volusia County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Volusia County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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