If you are considering owning a pet snake, lizard, or other non-native reptile in Florida, it is indeed crucial to know that the state has strict regulations in place. These regulations ban the possession, sale, and breeding of certain high-risk non-native reptiles unless you qualify for specific exemptions such as permitted research or educational exhibition. In this article, we will discuss which species are prohibited in Florida and what permits and restrictions apply to owning these regulated reptiles.
In addition to providing information on enforcement and penalties for violating these regulations, we will also cover responsible surrender options for those who can no longer keep their reptile pets.
Florida’s Prohibited Reptile Species
The state of Florida has banned several large constrictor snakes, monitor lizards, tegus (a type of lizard), and iguanas due to their potential threats to people, pets, livestock,and native wildlife. the list includes 16 recently added species that have been deemed high-risk by the Florida Fish and wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
list of Prohibited Reptiles
The following large snakes are included on the prohibited list: Burmese python (Python molurus), reticulated python (Python reticulatus), Northern and Southern African pythons (Python sebae, Python natalensis), amethystine python (Morelia amethistina), scrub pythons (Morelia kinghorni), and large anacondas such as green anaconda (Eunectes murinus), Beni anaconda (E. beniensis), DeSchauensee’s anaconda (E. deschauenseei)Understanding Florida’s Regulations on Prohibited Reptiles
Florida is home to a diverse range of reptile species, including some that are considered high-risk and possibly harmful to the state’s ecosystem. In order to protect native wildlife and prevent the spread of invasive species, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has implemented strict regulations on the import, sale, possession, and breeding of certain reptiles. The FWC prohibits the import or sale of certain reptile species without a permit. This includes all species listed as Prohibited by the FWC. These animals can only be possessed for research, public educational exhibition, or eradication/control work with a Conditional/Prohibited/Nonnative Species Permit (CSP) from the FWC. If you owned one of these prohibited species before rule changes were implemented, you were required to obtain a free personal-use permit and permanently PIT-tag qualifying animals by specific deadlines set by the agency. There are also strict rules for transporting and selling prohibited reptiles. transfers can only be made between permitted entities and all Prohibited lizards over 5 inches snout-to-vent length and snakes above the PIT tag size threshold must be PIT-tagged before transfer. the FWC also requires secure containment during transport with additional requirements for venomous or “reptiles of concern.” failure to comply with these regulations can result in enforcement action and possible seizure of animals. The breeding of Prohibited reptiles is tightly restricted in Florida. Only AZA- or ZAA-accredited institutions or approved researchers are allowed to breed these species for conservation purposes or bona fide research projects. In limited circumstances, commercial breeding was allowed for green iguanas and Argentine black and white tegus, but this was subject to a phase-out schedule and strict facility qualifications. Qualifying commercial sellers were only allowed to breed these species until specific cutoff dates set by the FWC. After the cutoff, any eggs produced must be destroyed unless the breeder holds an approved permit that expressly allows breeding. Outdoor breeding or rearing of Prohibited reptiles is also prohibited unless animals are PIT-tagged and enclosures meet FWC biosecurity and caging standards. If you run a commercial facility, it is important to document past licensing (ESC applications), meet biosecurity and enclosure specifications, and apply for any limited exception permits through FWC to remain compliant with regulations. The FWC enforces Florida’s laws on possession, transport, and exhibition of certain reptiles through inspections, permits, penalties for violations. It is important to follow these regulations in order to avoid potential consequences. The FWC has the authority to inspect premises where reptiles are kept or transported. These inspections can verify permits, animal identifications, enclosure security measures,and recordkeeping. If you hold a special permit (for venomous reptiles or reptiles of concern), it must be available for inspection at all times along with required logs and cage standards. If an issue is found during an inspection,the FWC may require corrective actions such as improved containment measures or animal relocation. Failure to comply with these orders can result in seizure of animals or additional enforcement steps being taken by the agency. The penalties for violating Florida’s regulations on prohibited reptiles vary depending on the severity of the offense. For nonnative species listed as prohibited, fines and civil penalties under Florida statutes (e.g., Chapter 379) can apply. Repeat or egregious offenses may result in higher fines and possible misdemeanor or felony charges. in addition, individuals may face confiscation of animals kept unlawfully and be held liable for cleanup or mitigation costs associated with escaped or released reptiles. If convicted, an individual may also be barred from obtaining future licenses or required to pay restitution. If you receive an enforcement notice from the FWC, it is important to consult with their Captive Wildlife Office or legal counsel promptly. While certain reptile species are prohibited in Florida, there are some exceptions that allow for possession under tightly defined circumstances. The FWC allows for the possession of prohibited high-risk nonnative reptiles for research purposes or educational exhibition with proper authorization. This requires a permit request demonstrating a lawful purpose, secure housing measures,veterinary care plans,and protocols for escape prevention and reporting. In limited circumstances,the commercial use of green iguanas and tegus is allowed,but strict rules must be followed regarding recordkeeping,sourcing documentation,and transport/sale locations.Failure to comply can result in seizure,fines,and revocation of permits.Common requirements include a written permit from the FWC,facilities meeting housing/security standards,purpose-specific documentation (research protocol/educational curriculum),and annual reporting/inspection consent. Zoos,aquariums,and wildlife exhibitors licensed by the FWC are allowed to possess certain prohibited reptiles provided that thay hold the proper exhibitor licence.This license ties possession to public education,conservation efforts,and approved display programs.Animals must be kept in enclosures that meet FWC structural and safety standards,and exhibitors must maintain public safety plans,animal care records,and emergency response procedures.FWC inspections are routine and noncompliance can result in fines or loss of exhibitor status.Key exhibitor obligations include an FWC exhibitor license or equivalent permit,documented animal care and enrichment plans,public safety barriers and signage,and cooperation with FWC inspections/incident reporting. It is important for individuals to follow Florida’s regulations on prohibited reptiles, keep their animals in safe housing with disaster plans in place,and use official surrender channels if they are unable to continue caring for their pet. The FWC operates the Exotic pet Amnesty Program to allow owners to surrender nonnative or prohibited reptiles without penalty. Eligible animals can be brought to designated amnesty events or drop-off locations listed on the FWC website. Surrenders are anonymous and free at most sites. The program accepts a wide range of species but excludes some dangerous or prohibited animals that require special handling. It is important to contact the FWC ahead of time to confirm acceptance and transport instructions.When an animal is surrendered,it will undergo basic medical screening before being placed into rehabilitation,transferred to a permitted facility,or humanely disposed of.It is indeed helpful for owners to have any paperwork,microchip information,and medication records available during this process. if you encounter a prohibited,released,or invasive reptile,it is important to report it promptly by calling the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922 or submitting a report online.Provide as much information as possible including exact location,species description/photos,and any identifying details such as tags/microchips. Do not attempt to capture venomous or large reptiles yourself.Instead,note the direction of travel and habitat and wait for trained FWC or partner responders.If you suspect someone is illegally selling or housing prohibited reptiles,document any relevant information (dates,locations,and advertisements) and report it to FWC enforcement.Import and Sale Restrictions
Breeding and Commercial Use Limitations
Penalties, Enforcement, and Compliance
Inspection and Compliance Procedures
Penalties for Violations
Exemptions and Special Circumstances
Research, Educational, and Commercial Exemptions
Wildlife Exhibitors and Zoological Facilities
Responsible Pet Ownership and Surrender Options
The Exotic Pet Amnesty Program
Reporting Invasive and illegal Species
This is such a helpful resource for those interested in reptiles and their regulations in Florida! Thank you for putting this together.