Tampa, FL Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Florida Statute 379.412 makes it unlawful for any person to intentionally feed or entice with feed any wild alligator or crocodile. Related FWC rules under Florida Administrative Code Chapter 68A-4.001 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. Penalties for feeding listed species under 379.412 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.