Florida Statewide Rule
Florida Captive Wildlife Permits Preempt Local Bans
Key Facts
- Regulator
- FWC statewide
- Statute
- Chapter 379 F.S.
- Class I pets
- Generally prohibited
- Prohibited reptiles
- Pythons, tegus, iguanas
Summary
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulates exotic and captive wildlife statewide. Possession of Class I, II, and III wildlife requires FWC permits, and state law preempts most local exotic animal regulations.
(1) The commission shall promulgate rules defining Class I, Class II, and Class III types of wildlife. The commission shall also establish rules and requirements necessary to ensure that permits are granted only to persons qualified to possess and care properly for wildlife and that permitted wildlife possessed as personal pets will be maintained in sanitary surroundings and appropriate neighborhoods.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 379, Florida Statutes, and FWC rules in Chapter 68A-6, F.A.C., govern possession of nonnative and captive wildlife. Class I species (lions, tigers, bears, chimps) generally cannot be kept as personal pets. Class II species (cougars, alligators, monkeys) require permits, experience hours, and caging standards. Class III (most other exotics) require a no-cost permit. As of 2021, Burmese pythons, green iguanas, tegus, and other reptiles of concern face strict possession bans. Local governments cannot issue conflicting wildlife rules.
Violations & Penalties
Most captive wildlife violations are Level Two offenses under FS 379.4015: second-degree misdemeanors for a first offense, first-degree misdemeanors with mandatory fines for repeats. Keeping wildlife after permanent license revocation is a third-degree felony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Florida city ban exotic pets that FWC allows?
Do I need a permit for a pet snake in Florida?
Sources
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