Florida Statute §379.412 makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to feed alligators or crocodiles - critical in Winter Haven, whose Chain of Lakes contains established American alligator populations. Winter Haven Parks & Recreation also prohibits feeding wildlife in city parks.
Winter Haven sits on the Chain of Lakes with substantial alligator habitat in Lakes Cannon, Howard, Hartridge, Lulu, Eloise, Jessie, and Winterset. Florida Statute §379.412 prohibits the feeding of wild alligators or crocodiles, classifying the act as a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (866-FWC-GATOR) removes alligators over four feet that pose a threat. City parks rules (administered by Parks, Recreation & Culture) and the City's lake-management standards discourage feeding of waterfowl as well - feeding draws ducks and geese into roadways and nutrient-loads the lakes.
Alligator feeding: second-degree misdemeanor under FS §379.412 - up to 60 days jail, $500 fine. Park-rule violations of wildlife-feeding prohibitions are enforced by trespass warning and code-compliance citation under Ch. 1 (Sec. 1-13).
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