Exotic Pets: Miami vs New York
How do exotic pets rules compare between Miami, FL and New York, NY?
Miami and New York have similar restriction levels.
Miami, FL
Miami-Dade County
Exotic pet ownership in Miami is regulated by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission classes and City of Miami Chapter 6. Class I wildlife (large predators) is prohibited for personal use. Class II and III animals require FWC permits and city compliance.
View full Miami rules →New York, NY
New York County
NYC Health Code §161.01 prohibits keeping wild or exotic animals as pets, including all non-domesticated mammals, reptiles over certain sizes, and venomous animals. The ban covers ferrets, which are specifically prohibited under §161.01(b)(10). Violations carry fines and animal seizure.
View full New York rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Miami | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Class I | Prohibited for personal use | - |
| Class II | FWC license required | - |
| Class III | No-cost FWC permit needed | - |
| City Code | Chapter 6, City of Miami | - |
| FWC Hotline | 888-404-3922 | - |
| Banned Animals | - | Primates, large cats, wolves, ferrets |
| Ferret Ban | - | Specifically prohibited §161.01(b)(10) |
| Hedgehogs | - | Prohibited |
| First Offense | - | $200–$2,000 fine + seizure |
| Code | - | Health Code §161.01 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Miami FAQ
Can I own a pet monkey in Miami?
Small primates are Class II wildlife in Florida, requiring a Class II Wildlife License from FWC. You must demonstrate experience and meet specific caging and security requirements. Large primates are Class I and prohibited.
Do I need a permit for a pet snake in Miami?
Non-venomous snakes under certain size thresholds may be Class III, requiring a no-cost FWC permit. Burmese pythons and other large constrictors are regulated as Conditional species and generally prohibited as pets in Florida.
What happens if my exotic pet escapes in Miami?
Report escaped exotic animals immediately to FWC at 888-404-3922. Owners may face fines and liability for damages. Failure to report an escaped regulated animal is a violation of FWC rules.
New York FAQ
Can I keep a ferret in NYC?
No. Ferrets are specifically prohibited under NYC Health Code §161.01(b)(10). NYC is one of the few US cities that bans ferrets outright, despite them being legal in New York State. Violations carry fines of $200–$2,000 and seizure.
What exotic pets are legal in NYC?
Very few. You may keep domesticated dogs, cats, small caged birds, tropical fish, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, and small non-venomous reptiles. All wild, non-domesticated, venomous, or large animals are prohibited under Health Code §161.01.
Compare other topics
See how Miami and New York 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