St. Petersburg, FL Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- State rule
- FAC 68A-4.001
- First fine
- $100
- Banned species feeding
- Pelicans, cranes, bears
- Local backstop
- Chapter 4 nuisance
- Enforcement
- FWC and city
Summary
Feeding wildlife that creates a public nuisance is prohibited in St. Petersburg, and Florida FAC 68A-4.001 bans feeding pelicans, sandhill cranes, bears, raccoons, foxes, and coyotes statewide.
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 identified in subsection (1): (a) For a first violation, commits a noncriminal infraction, punishable by a civil penalty of $100. 1.
Full Breakdown
St. Petersburg residents are subject to Florida Administrative Code 68A-4.001, which prohibits intentionally placing food or garbage that attracts black bears, foxes, raccoons, or coyotes, and prohibits feeding pelicans, sandhill cranes, and non-human primates. First offenses carry a $100 civil penalty, with increasing fines for repeat violations under FS 379.412. Locally, City Code provisions on solid waste and Chapter 4 nuisance rules empower Codes Compliance to act when wildlife feeding draws rats, raccoons, or scavengers into a neighborhood. Pinellas County also prohibits placement of food or garbage that attracts wildlife and creates a public nuisance, applying within St. Petersburg as a complementary regulation.
Violations & Fines
$100 civil penalty for first FAC 68A-4.001 violation; escalating fines and possible misdemeanor charges for repeat offenses; local nuisance abatement and code citations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed ducks at a St. Petersburg pond?
Is it illegal to feed raccoons in St. Petersburg?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Petersburg
Florida rules heatmap·Compare St. Petersburg to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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Wildlife Feeding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Pinellas County handle wildlife feeding.