Pinellas County, FL Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Alligator feeding
- Fla. Stat. 372.667
- Bear feeding
- FAC 68A-4.001
- Sea turtle lights
- Sec. 166
- Local nuisance
- Sec. 14-30
- Federal cover
- MBTA / ESA
Summary
Pinellas County does not have a blanket wildlife-feeding ban, but state law and FWC rules prohibit feeding alligators, bears, sandhill cranes, and other protected species, while Chapter 14 nuisance rules address feral animal feeding that creates problems.
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
Wildlife feeding in Pinellas County is regulated principally through state and federal law. Florida Statute 372.667 (renumbered as 379.412) makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to feed or entice alligators or crocodiles. FWC Rule 68A-4.001 (Florida Administrative Code) prohibits the intentional feeding of bears, sandhill cranes, foxes, raccoons, and pelicans. Federal rules under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Endangered Species Act protect manatees, sea turtles, and migratory birds. Pinellas County Section 14-30 treats feral animal feeding that creates unsanitary or unsafe conditions as a public nuisance subject to abatement and citation.
Violations & Fines
Feeding protected wildlife can result in FWC misdemeanor charges, fines, and license loss; nuisance feeding of feral animals can result in county citations and abatement orders under Section 14-30.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is feeding alligators illegal in Pinellas County?
Can I feed feral cats in Pinellas County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pinellas County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Pinellas County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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