Zephyrhills, FL Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

F.S. 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. (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.