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πŸ” Animal Ordinances/Exotic Pets

Exotic Pets: Delray Beach vs West Palm Beach

How do exotic pets rules compare between Delray Beach, FL and West Palm Beach, FL?

Delray Beach and West Palm Beach have similar restriction levels.

Delray Beach, FL

Palm Beach County

Heavy Restrictions

Exotic pets in Delray Beach are governed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Class I, II, and III permit system. Class I species (big cats, bears, great apes) are prohibited as personal pets statewide.

View full Delray Beach rules β†’

West Palm Beach, FL

Palm Beach County

Heavy Restrictions

Exotic and wildlife species are regulated by FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under FL Β§379. Class I wildlife (large cats, bears, primates) banned as pets. Class II requires FWC permit. Reptiles over certain sizes restricted.

View full West Palm Beach rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactDelray BeachWest Palm Beach
Class IProhibitedBanned as pets
Class IIFWC permit requiredFWC permit + experience
Class IIILicense required-
AgencyFL FWC-
PythonsBanned statewideBanned since 2021
Authority-FWC under FL Β§379
Wildlife Feeding-Illegal per FL Β§379.412

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Delray Beach FAQ

Can I keep a ball python in Delray Beach?

Yes. Ball pythons are Class III and allowed with an FWC personal-use license. Burmese pythons and anacondas are banned statewide.

Are hedgehogs or sugar gliders legal?

Hedgehogs are prohibited in Florida without a Class III permit. Sugar gliders are allowed with a Class III license.

West Palm Beach FAQ

Who enforces this in West Palm Beach?

West Palm Beach code enforcement at (561) 822-1300 handles complaints.

Who enforces this in West Palm Beach?

West Palm Beach code enforcement at (561) 822-1300 handles complaints.

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