Orange County, FL Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Base rule
- Private trapping banned
- Exception
- FWC nuisance wildlife permit
- Also required
- County registration
- Non-target animals
- Must be released
Summary
Orange County lets the public trap nuisance wildlife only if the trapper holds a current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission permit and is separately registered with the county animal services division.
Trapping of animals by the public utilizing unauthorized private traps is prohibited.(1)Exceptions.a.Hunting of game birds and animals in compliance with state laws regulating such activities which shall be limited to rural areas only. Non-targeted animals shall be released immediately at the site of capture.b.Nuisance wildlife by such persons holding current permits to engage in such activity, issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and who are registered with the animal services division. Such trapping must be in strict compliance with the provisions of the state permit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 128).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 5-41(c) bans the public from trapping animals with unauthorized private traps, but carves out an exception for nuisance wildlife: a person may trap it only while holding a current permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and while registered with the county's animal services division. That trapping must strictly follow the state permit's terms, and any non-targeted animal caught must be released immediately at the site of capture.
Violations & Fines
Trapping without the FWC permit and county registration, or trapping outside the permit's terms, violates Sec. 5-41; animal services may confiscate any trap used illegally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trap a raccoon in my yard in Orange County?
What happens if I trap wildlife without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orange County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Orange County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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