Florida's FWC bans intentionally feeding many wild animals, including bears, alligators, foxes, and sandhill cranes. Violations start as a civil penalty and can escalate to criminal charges for repeat bear or crocodilian offenses.
Statewide FWC rules under FAC 68A-4.001 and Fla. Stat. 379.412 prohibit intentionally feeding wildlife, and placing food or garbage that attracts and creates a nuisance from listed species. In coastal St. Lucie County, feeding alligators and crocodiles is specifically illegal and dangerous. The 2015 tiered penalty system starts with a $100 civil penalty, rising to a second-degree misdemeanor on a second offense, and for bears and crocodilians a first-degree misdemeanor and ultimately a third-degree felony for repeat violations. County nuisance rules reinforce the state prohibition.
First offense is a $100 civil penalty; repeat offenses reach up to $5,000 and five years for bear and crocodilian feeding under Fla. Stat. 379.412.
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See how St. Lucie County's wildlife feeding rules stack up against other locations.
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