St. Petersburg vs Tarpon Springs
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between St. Petersburg, FL and Tarpon Springs, FL?
St. Petersburg and Tarpon Springs have similar restriction levels.
St. Petersburg, FL
Pinellas County
Feeding wildlife that creates a public nuisance is prohibited in St. Petersburg, and Florida FAC 68A-4.001 bans feeding pelicans, sandhill cranes, bears, raccoons, foxes, and coyotes statewide.
View full St. Petersburg rules →Tarpon Springs, FL
Pinellas County
Tarpon Springs follows Florida law prohibiting the intentional feeding of alligators and certain wildlife, and city nuisance rules discourage feeding ducks or other animals when it creates sanitation, safety, or property concerns.
View full Tarpon Springs rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | St. Petersburg | Tarpon Springs |
|---|---|---|
| State rule | FAC 68A-4.001 | - |
| First fine | $100 | - |
| Banned species feeding | Pelicans, cranes, bears | - |
| Local backstop | Chapter 4 nuisance | - |
| Enforcement | FWC and city | - |
| FWC rule | - | F.A.C. 68A-4.001 |
| Feeding alligators | - | Second-degree misdemeanor |
| Other species | - | Bears, cranes, raccoons, pelicans |
| City overlay | - | Chapter 4 nuisance rules |
| Hot spots | - | Anclote River, Lake Tarpon |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
St. Petersburg FAQ
Can I feed ducks at a St. Petersburg pond?
Casual duck feeding is not specifically banned, but if it attracts rats, raccoons, or creates a nuisance, you can be cited under city Chapter 4 nuisance rules. Feeding pelicans is barred by FAC 68A-4.001.
Is it illegal to feed raccoons in St. Petersburg?
Yes. Florida Administrative Code 68A-4.001 prohibits placing food in a manner that attracts raccoons, foxes, coyotes, or bears, with civil penalties starting at $100 per offense.
Tarpon Springs FAQ
Can I feed ducks at Tarpon Springs parks?
Feeding waterfowl is discouraged because it can attract alligators and create sanitation issues; some parks post no-feeding signs that the city enforces under nuisance rules.
What's the penalty for feeding an alligator?
Under FWC rules it is a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine, regardless of intent or whether harm occurred.
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