Coral Gables vs North Miami
How do exotic pets rules compare between Coral Gables, FL and North Miami, FL?
Coral Gables and North Miami have similar restriction levels.
Coral Gables, FL
Miami-Dade County
Coral Gables prohibits keeping wild animals within city limits under Chapter 10 of the Code of Ordinances. Exemptions apply only to zoos, pet shops, medical institutions, and licensed facilities. Florida FWC regulations also govern possession of captive wildlife statewide.
View full Coral Gables rules →North Miami, FL
Miami-Dade County
North Miami follows Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulations on exotic pet ownership. Florida requires permits for Class I (wildlife posing significant danger), Class II (potentially dangerous), and Class III (low-risk) wildlife. Many exotic species are banned from private ownership, and conditional species require special permits.
View full North Miami rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Coral Gables | North Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Animals | Prohibited in city limits | - |
| Exemptions | Zoos, pet shops, licensed facilities | - |
| State Regulation | FWC Chapter 68A-6 | - |
| Code Section | Chapter 10, Animals | - |
| Animal Services | (305) 884-1101 | (305) 884-1101 |
| Class I | - | Prohibited as personal pets |
| Class II | - | Requires experience + special caging |
| Class III | - | No-cost FWC license required |
| Invasive Species | - | Burmese pythons, iguanas banned |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Coral Gables FAQ
Can I keep an exotic pet in Coral Gables?
No. Coral Gables prohibits keeping any wild animal within city limits under Chapter 10 of the Code of Ordinances. Only zoos, pet shops, and licensed facilities are exempt. This local ban supersedes Florida's more permissive state-level exotic pet permit system.
What happens if I am found with a wild animal in Coral Gables?
Code Enforcement at (305) 460-5216 and Animal Services at (305) 884-1101 will issue citations, require mandatory removal of the animal, and impose fines. The Florida FWC may also pursue additional state-level enforcement actions.
Are reptiles like snakes or iguanas considered exotic pets?
Wild or non-domesticated reptiles fall under the city's prohibition on wild animals. Common domesticated species kept as pets should be confirmed with Animal Services at (305) 884-1101, as the ordinance is broadly defined to cover wild animal species.
North Miami FAQ
Can I own an exotic pet in North Miami?
It depends on the species. Class I animals (lions, tigers, bears) are prohibited as personal pets. Class II animals require special experience and caging. Class III animals (hedgehogs, sugar gliders, certain reptiles) require a no-cost FWC license. Certain invasive species like Burmese pythons and green iguanas are banned entirely.
Do I need a permit for a pet snake in North Miami?
Non-venomous snakes not on the conditional/prohibited species list require a Class III wildlife license from FWC (no cost). Venomous reptiles require additional FWC licensing and local notification. Burmese pythons and other invasive constrictors are banned.
Who do I contact about exotic animal complaints in North Miami?
Contact Miami-Dade County Animal Services at (305) 884-1101 for exotic animal complaints. For escaped dangerous wildlife, call 911 or FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.
Compare other topics
See how Coral Gables and North Miami compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool