Dunedin vs St. Petersburg
How do exotic pets rules compare between Dunedin, FL and St. Petersburg, FL?
Dunedin and St. Petersburg have similar restriction levels.
Dunedin, FL
Pinellas County
Dunedin defers to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for exotic pet rules. Class I wildlife cannot be kept as personal pets, Class II requires a state permit and 2.5-acre property, and Class III animals need a no-cost FWC permit.
View full Dunedin rules →St. Petersburg, FL
Pinellas County
Exotic pet ownership in St. Petersburg follows Florida FWC Class I-III rules, with Class I dangerous animals banned and Class II species requiring permits, plus city Chapter 4 nuisance enforcement.
View full St. Petersburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dunedin | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Class I as pets | Prohibited by FWC | - |
| Class II minimum lot | 2.5 acres | - |
| Class III permit | Free FWC permit | - |
| Primary regulator | Florida FWC | - |
| Local nuisance rules | Chapter 10 applies | - |
| State authority | - | FWC, FAC 68A-6 |
| Class I | - | Banned as pets |
| Class II | - | Permit required |
| Banned reptiles | - | 16 high-risk species |
| Local code | - | Chapter 4 nuisance |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dunedin FAQ
Can I own a monkey or big cat in Dunedin?
No. Most primates and big cats are Class I wildlife under Florida law and may not be possessed as personal pets, regardless of any local rule.
Do I need a permit for a python or boa?
Yes. Reticulated pythons and several other large constrictors are Conditional or Prohibited species under FWC, and Reptiles of Concern require a separate state license.
Are ferrets and hedgehogs legal?
Yes. Ferrets and African pygmy hedgehogs are Class III species. A no-cost FWC personal-use permit is required, and standard local nuisance and care rules apply.
St. Petersburg FAQ
Can I keep a monkey or big cat in St. Petersburg?
Big cats and chimpanzees are Class I and banned as pets statewide. Smaller monkeys are Class II and require an FWC permit, experience hours, and approved caging that most homes cannot meet.
Are pet pythons allowed in St. Petersburg?
Most species are allowed with a Class III permit, but Florida prohibits 16 high-risk reptiles, including Burmese and reticulated pythons, due to environmental risk in the state.
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