Tampa, FL Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Florida Statute
- Florida Statute 379.412 prohibits feeding wild alligators and crocodiles
- Fwc Rules Also
- FWC rules also ban feeding bears, foxes, raccoons, sandhill cranes
- Manatee Feeding
- Manatee feeding prohibited under state Manatee Sanctuary Act
- Violations Can Be
- Violations can be second-degree misdemeanor up to 500 dollar fine
- Report Nuisance Alligators
- Report nuisance alligators over 4 feet to FWC hotline for removal
Summary
Florida Statute 379.412 and FWC rules prohibit the intentional feeding of wild alligators, crocodiles, bears, foxes, raccoons, sandhill cranes, and several other species. Tampa enforces these state rules and also discourages feeding of wildlife in city parks. Violations can result in fines or second-degree misdemeanor charges.
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. [...] (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. [...] (b) For second and subsequent violations, when all violations are related to freshwater fish or wildlife other than bears or alligators or other crocodilians, commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. (c) For a second violation, when all violations are related to bears or alligators or other crocodilians, commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. (d) For a third violation, when all violations are related to bears or alligators or other crocodilians, commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. (e) For a fourth or subsequent violation, when all violations are related to bears or alligators or other crocodilians, commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
Full Breakdown
412 makes it unlawful for any person to intentionally feed or entice with feed any wild alligator or crocodile. 001 prohibit feeding several additional species including black bears, foxes, raccoons, and sandhill cranes because feeding habituates wildlife to humans, creates public safety risks, and can spread disease. Feeding of manatees is also prohibited under the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act. Bird feeding in backyards is generally permitted but residents are advised to avoid feeding species attracted to food scraps such as vultures and not to set out pet food that attracts raccoons and other mammals.
Tampa city parks and the Hillsborough County park system post no-feeding signs and rangers may issue warnings or citations for feeding wildlife. Specific concerns in Tampa include alligators in waterways such as the Hillsborough River, ponds in subdivisions, and Tampa Bay tributaries, where feeding can make alligators lose fear of humans and increase attack risk. Nuisance alligators over 4 feet long can be reported to the FWC Nuisance Alligator Hotline and may be trapped and removed. Feeding of feral cats is not expressly prohibited by state law but Tampa encourages TNR (trap-neuter-return) programs through partner organizations rather than unmanaged colonies, and large feeding operations on private property can trigger nuisance and sanitation complaints.
412 include second-degree misdemeanor charges with fines up to 500 dollars and up to 60 days in jail, and FWC officers have enforcement authority throughout Tampa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed ducks at a Tampa city park pond?
What if an alligator comes into my backyard pond?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tampa
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Tampa 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.