legal exotic pets in florida legal exotic pets in florida
68A-6.01214. (b) No facility shall utilize the performing elephant paddock dimensions prior to written approval by the Commission. 3. The new ruling, approved late last month, includes Burmese pythons, Argentine black and white tegus, green iguanas and 13 other high-risk, non-native snakes and . More animals are also on the prohibited list, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. So, before you decide to add an exotic pet to your family, be sure to check with your local authorities to make sure it is legal to do so in your area. As non-domesticated animals, exotic pets retain many of their wild instincts, even when born into captivity. (2) Definitions: For the purposes of this rule, the following shall be defined as: (a) Safety incident -- any incident involving the elephant that causes injury or death of any person or animal. Provided, however that certain species may be restricted in their movements according to professionally acceptable standards when such freedom of movement would constitute a danger to the animals, their handlers, or other persons. Alabama prohibits personal possession of numerous exotic animals, including: Any species of bird, mammal, reptile, or amphibian listed as injurious wildlife under the U.S. Repealed. If a viewing panel is used as a portion of an exterior wall of a room or out building serving as secondary containment, that viewing panel shall not also serve as one of the venomous reptile primary enclosure walls. If bars are used, bars shall be spaced no more than 2 inches apart. (b) Indoor facilities -- Potential escape routes shall be equipped with wire or grating of not less than 9 gauge chain link or equivalent. 1. . For one or two animals, a cage 4 feet by 5 feet, 5 feet high. The following reptiles, including their taxonomic synonymies, subspecies or hybrids thereof, are designated as reptiles of concern: None listed at this time. Arboreal species of snakes or lizards shall be provided with a perch of sufficient height to allow for such specimen to perch or bask without any portion of its body or tail touching the floor, sides or roof of the enclosure. Cages of Class I and Class II animals that the public can access, shall be equipped with a physical barrier, which is made of a material to prevent the public from coming in contact with the animals. Use and possession of firearms specified in the plan shall be in compliance with Chapter 790, F.S. Repealed, 68A-6.0023. 2. (4) Disaster and Critical Incident Plans: Applicants for permits to possess venomous reptiles or reptiles of concern in captivity shall document a course of action to be taken in preparation for disasters or critical incidents. (c) The requirement pertaining to the location of the PIT tag implantation shall not apply to specimens implanted prior to acquisition of the animal or prior to the effective date of this rule. (7) Persons possessing Class II wildlife as personal use wildlife shall purchase a permit as provided in Section 379.3762, F.S. 68A-6.013. 1. (2) Wildlife being held for sale by those persons properly licensed pursuant to section 379.3761 or 379.3711, F.S., or for veterinary care, or quarantine may be temporarily housed or caged in smaller cages or enclosures for a period not to exceed 60 days. CreditsAdopted July 1, 1990; Amended July 1, 1992, Feb. 1, 1998; Transferred from 39-6.0041; Amended Aug. 27, 2009. There is generally no law that allows the ownership of any ape as a pet; however, a state permit is required if the ape is intended for breeding, sale, or exhibition, as well as a federal permit if the ape is intended for keeping as a pet. (9) Penguins (e.g., Humboldts, Emperor, King, Jackass, etc. Standard Caging Requirements for Birds. Each cage shall have a shelter(s)/den(s)/nest box(es) that will accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. For each additional animal, increase the cage by 25 percent of original floor area. The notification in writing may be delivered by fax at (850)414-8212, or by mail or hand delivery to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Law Enforcement, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600. It's important to make sure these critters get the homes they deserve with someone who has plenty of knowledge on their care and keeping. For one or two animals, a cage 5 feet by 4 feet, 3 feet high. Phone: (850) 488-6253. They are not the kind of pet you can leave alone for long periods of time. Authority: Art. Each cage shall have a pool of water, 3 feet by 2 feet, 2 feet deep. The state of Florida recognizes some exciting and interesting types of animals as legal pets. 2. European and Canadian lynx (Lynx lynx), 19. To provide for public safety, all wildlife shall be tethered or controlled in such a manner as to prevent physical contact with the public and a structural safety barrier, as provided in paragraph 68A-6.009(2)(b), must be present to prevent physical contact with unconfined Class I or Class II wildlife except in instances where public contact is allowed in subsection (1), below. Such room or outbuilding shall be structurally sound. (1) No person, firm, or corporation shall use elephants for rides without first obtaining written authorization from the Commission. 2. (3) Passive integrated transponder (PIT tag) identification shall consist of the implantation of a unique PIT tag under the specimen's skin in a manner to maintain the PIT tag permanently in place. Full contact: For the purpose of this section, full contact is defined as situations in which an exhibitor or employee handler maintains proximate control and supervision, while temporarily surrendering physical possession or custody of the animal to another. For one or two animals, a cage 8 feet by 8 feet, 6 feet high. No vehicle shall be used in transporting any wildlife except as follows: (a) Vehicles shall be equipped to provide fresh air without injurious drafts and adequate protection from the elements to all animals. GRANDFATHER: Current ones require a permit by 5/31/22. And they have really tiny feet! (h) Ground hornbills, Indian great hornbills, crowned pigeons and similar sized birds. Repealed Sept. 30, 2019. If you live in Alabama and did not obtain a permit before January 13th, 2021, you are not allowed to own a variety of exotic animals including Giant African Land Snails, most non-native wildlife like bobcats, black bears, foxes, and raccoons, and venomous reptiles. (a) For one or two animals, a cage 20 feet by 8 feet, 6 feet high. Amended July 8, 2010; April 5, 2018. But Florida animal laws allow you to have some pretty exotic animals as your cuddly companions. b. (b) Access to a shelter shall be provided. 14, 1992, Feb. 1, 1998; Transferred from 39-6.004; Amended Jan. 1, 2008; Amended Aug. 27, 2009. Applicants shall provide a notarized document at the time of application showing the qualified handler meets the standards below: 1. For each additional specimen, increase perimeter by 10 percent. Each cage shall also have horizontal climbing apparatus. (i) The name, physical address, and personal or business phone number for an emergency contact authorized to utilize temporary housing and transport equipment. Such device shall be noninjurious, and may include, but is not limited to, boxes, balls, mirrors or foraging items. (a) For up to two animals, a cage 6 feet by 8 feet, 6 feet high. The entire width of a roadway shall be considered sharing a common boundary in instances of a roadway between neighboring properties. Class I wildlife: The cages of the facility shall be bounded by a fence of not less than eight (8) feet high. Prairie dogs are also highly social animals and should never be left alone without a companion. 9, Fla. Const. It is illegal to own Burmese, reticulated, African rock and Amethystine pythons, green anacondas, Nile monitors, green iguanas, and tegus. Structural Caging Requirements for Class I, II, and III Widllife [FN1]. For up to two birds, a cage 3 feet by 2 feet, 3 feet high. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. . (g) Licensees who have had continuous annual authorization for elephant rides since the effective date of this rule shall be allowed to conduct private elephant rides. If more than one parcel, the adjacent parcels must have a minimum of 100 feet common linear boundary. (13) Paddocks -- areas enclosed by fencing, railing or other Commission-approved structures which allow animals to graze or browse. As used herein, the singular includes the plural. (6) Handling of non-native venomous reptiles outside of secondary containment is prohibited, except as authorized in writing by the Commission prior to handling activity. Any proposed deviations from the standard caging or enclosure requirements, or proposals to use wet or dry moats to substitute for fencing, or proposals to use open air habitats except as provided herein, must be approved in writing by the Commission prior to the use of the cage or enclosure for housing animals. For sea otters, specifications will be as required by Federal regulations, incorporated herein by reference as found in Title 9 C.F.R., Chapter I Part 3, Subpart E (effective beginning June 1979, which is adopted and herein by reference at http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-11139). CreditsAdopted Sept. 30, 2019. IV, Sec. Captive wildlife is regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissions Captive Wildlife Office. Were also here to help in any way we can. Brown Pelican, 14. d. Additional documentation may include records of prior permits for the keeping of venomous reptiles, employment records, and any other competent documentation of the requisite experience. Provisions of this subsection shall apply to permittees maintaining captive wildlife in Florida. (4) Exemption: Reptiles of concern being held for export by any person who possesses such reptile of concern in accordance with sections 379.304 and 379.372, F.S., are exempt from the permanent identification requirement of this section for a period not to exceed 180 days provided such animals or their enclosures are permanently marked so as to be traceable to written records indicating the date such reptiles of concern were acquired. Alabama. Such ride shall utilize two qualified handlers and adequate assistants to prevent bystanders from coming into contact with the elephant and are not required to have an additional barrier. Florida Panther: Large and powerful predator; however, encounters with humans are extremely rare, and attacks are even rarer. A summary of exotic pet laws and discussion on which states prohibit the private possession of specific exotic animal species, including monkeys, tigers, raccoons, birds, wolves, and others. (1) No person shall import, export, transport, ship or deliver in interstate or intrastate commerce any container or package containing any live wildlife unless each container or package bears, in a conspicuous place on the outside, a tag with both the name and address of the shipper and consignee and the exact contents of the package. (b) Applicants shall not have been convicted of any violation of venomous reptile, reptile of concern, conditional species, prohibited species, or captive wildlife regulations involving unsafe housing of wildlife or that could potentially endanger the public; any violation involving the illegal commercialization of wildlife; any violation involving cruelty to animals; or any violation involving importation of wildlife within three (3) years of the date of application. Tech. 7. (a) Large (e.g., large cockatoos, large macaws, including Palm cockatoos, green-winged and similar sized birds).For one or two birds, a cage providing space sufficient to permit perching without the tail feathers touching the floor and provide for head clearance with normal posturing, with a minimum cage dimension to allow full extension of both wings. Gnawing items include, but are not limited to, logs and trees. While some people may be tempted to try and own a bobcat as a pet, it is important to remember that these animals require a lot of care and are not suited for life in captivity. There are also no known occurrences of fatalities from zoonotic disease or serious illness in the United States from pet monkeys in recent history. (2) Large non-cusorial bovids (e.g. (b) Each cage shall have perching area(s) and nest box(es) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Fish and Wildlife's Lacey Act (18 U.S.C. If bars are used, bars shall be spaced no more than 2 inches apart. All cages shall have secure locking devices. Hybrids are regulated the same as their more restricted parent. 9, Fla. Const. (a) For one or two animals, a cage or enclosure, 4 feet by 4 feet, 4 feet high. For Class I animals, cages shall be constructed of steel, case hardened aluminum, alloy or strength equivalent material. All cages shall be well ventilated and shall have secure locking devices. You can find more information and obtain Florida permit applications here. change, Nov. 13, 2019. (a) Small aquatic rodents (e.g., Florida water rat, muskrat). Emotions sometimes boiledover asmore than 170 people called in to comment, many asking to stop the ban or at least reconsider it. For each additional animal, increase paddock by 25 percent of the original footage. PERMIT required for import or transport of Leopard, African spurred and Bells hingeback tortoise with certificate of veterinary inspection at least 10 days prior, containers disinfected before import and either incinerated within 24 hours or exported within 72 hours. (e) Time limitation on smaller travel caging allowed for housing non-performing animals. Asian Leopard Cats are another example of exotic animals in Florida that are legal to own. For each additional specimen, increase perimeter by 10 percent. The corporation must provide documentation of experience for at least one person. Yes, it is legal to own a kangaroo in Florida with a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. For the purposes of this paragraph, escape shall mean escape from the primary enclosure or escape from transport enclosure, leash, other constraint, or rigid supervision and control while outside of the primary enclosure. Osprey, For additional animals, the combined area covered by all their bodies shall not exceed 50 percent of enclosure area. Bobcats are typically shy and elusive animals, and they play an important role in the ecosystem by helping to control the populations of prey species. 2. In addition to requirements of this section, each enclosure shall be equipped with a shelter(s) or nest box(es) that shall accommodate all the animals in the enclosure simultaneously. (c) Outdoor cages over 1,000 square feet (uncovered) shall have vertical jump walls at least 10 feet high, with a 2-foot, 45 degree, inward angle overhang, or jump walls at least 12 feet high, without an overhang. Amended Aug. 26, 2010; Dec. 31, 2016; Jan. 1, 2019; Sept. 30, 2019; May 11, 2020. Website: www.sohodesignerexotics.weebly.com. Each cage shall have a pool of water, 2 feet by 2 feet, 1 foot deep. (c) Records of identification including PIT tag number where applicable, along with information about the specimen being identified (species, specimen name or number, gender, and age) must be maintained in the possessors records for as long as the specimen is possessed. (19) Shelter, nest box or den -- a structure that protects captive wildlife from the elements (weather conditions). Captive Wildlife. All cages shall have secure locking devices. (g) The size (in acres) of the property on which the facility is located, unless otherwise exempt pursuant to subsection 68A-6.010(4), F.A.C. The list of mammals legal to import into the islands consists of guinea pigs, chinchillas, rabbits, mice . Some of the more notable animals found in Florida include: (1) All armadillos except giant armadillo. (a) Small (e.g., 3 striped marsupial mouse). Venomous reptiles, as well as crocodiles, chimpanzees, tigers, lions, jaguars, and leopards are banned in the state. (f) Wildlife cages/enclosures shall not be stacked over other cages/enclosures unless excreta is prevented from entering lower cages/enclosures. All cages shall have secure locking devices. Standard Caging Requirements for Bats. They can also have exceptions or permit requirements when it comes to having an exotic pet. Standard Caging Requirements for Equids, Camelids, Giraffids, Tapirs, Wild Goats and Sheep. Such records shall include the following: 1. 68A-6.0025. For the purposes of this section a wildlife sanctuary for captive wildlife is defined as a facility established for the sole purpose of providing lifetime care for unwanted or infirmed captive wildlife. If a viewing panel is used as a portion of an exterior wall of an outdoor open-topped enclosure, such panel shall be constructed of a minimum of one-quarter (1/4) inch thick, tempered, safety glass. (b) Each cage shall have an elevated platform(s) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall also have climbing apparatus. CreditsAdopted Sept. 30, 2019. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. 5. 1. Southern Black Widow Spider: Venomous spider with a painful and potentially dangerous bite, though fatalities are very rare. (j) Applicants for permits to possess Class III wildlife for personal use shall provide the planned inventory, identified by species and quantity, and the name, address, and license number (if the sale or transfer takes place in Florida) of the source of their wildlife. (6) Class I wildlife shall not be possessed for personal use, except as follows: (a) Any Class I wildlife possessed for personal use on August 1, 1980, shall be eligible for a permit in accordance with the provisions for Class II wildlife. Squirrels are considered a class III animal in Florida, meaning that they are considered wildlife. 68A-6.01215. For one or two animals, a cage 6 feet by 6 feet, 6 feet high. 68A-6.006. (1) Any person who keeps, possesses, exhibits or sells any venomous reptiles or reptile of concern shall comply with Sections 379.303, 379.304, 379.305, 379.372, 379.373, 379.374 and 379.3761, F.S., and the provisions of subparagraph 68-5.007(5)(a)1., F.A.C., and the rules of this chapter. African golden cats (Profelis aurata), 20. (a) For one or two animals, a cage 6 feet by 6 feet, 6 feet high. (6) Group VI -- Wolverines, honey badgers, American badgers, and hyenas. It is also illegal to feed a wild animal junk food or other human food that is not meant for them. Florida Today. 1. 2. Measures must be taken to stop the erosion. Elephants which are tethered within such enclosure shall be provided with daily unrestrained movement periods, unless daily tethering is necessary due to the following situations: (a) Elephant needs restraining due to a training period. (5) Ringtail opossums, gliders, pygmy possums, brushtail possums, cuscus, bandicoots. For example, it is illegal to keep a wild animal in a confined space, such as in a home or a backyard. change, Nov. 13, 2019. 1. For each additional animal, increase paddock by 25 percent of the original footage. These include, but are not limited to, lions, tigers, chimpanzees, gorillas, and alligators. For enclosures housing wildlife species or individual animals which exhibit a behavior of digging or burrowing:Enclosures shall have a footer or bottom apron constructed of concrete, chainlink or equivalent strength material as specified in this rule for the housing of such wildlife. 4. However, squirrels can be very energetic and even sometimes destructive little creatures, so it's best to consider carefully if you really want one in your home chewing up your furniture! (e) Experienced supervision: All elephant rides shall be supervised by a minimum of one qualified handler and one assistant. It is important to remember, however, to always know the laws around animal ownership in your state, city, county, or township and to do plenty of research beforehand to ensure you can provide an amazing home for these beautiful creatures. For the purposes of this section birth shall be defined as the initial hatch or live birth date for the clutch or litter. Any water containers used shall be clean. 1. They won't hesitate to bite or scratch once they reach sexual maturity, and both their teeth and their claws are like razor blades and can do some serious damage. While these animals sure are cute, they all require a ton of work and effort. Such determination shall consider the following: 1. Each cage shall be provided with a den(s) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. (6) Free-handling -- the act of physical contact with venomous reptiles without the use of hooks, tongs, tools, specialized gloves, or other standard handling equipment. For Class II animals, cage construction shall not be less than 11 1/2 gauge chain link or strength equivalent material. Such mobile exhibits shall provide an itinerary of planned exhibition times and locations with annual renewal applications. (b) All cages or enclosures constructed of chain link or other approved materials shall be well braced and securely anchored at ground level to prevent escape by digging or erosion. If transferred or sold, the full name, address, and Florida captive wildlife license ID (if applicable) of the recipient. However, they are much smaller. They may also be prone to obesity, so it is important to stick to a healthy diet and to provide plenty of exercise. Failure to pay such expenses shall be grounds for revocation or denial of permits to such individuals to possess wildlife. (3) Group III -- Rhinoceros, elephants, hippopotamus, cape buffalos, gaur.Indoor and outdoor facilities -- Construction materials shall consist of steel bars, masonry block or equivalent. Possession of Wildlife in Captivity; Permit Requirements. Best of all, though, prairie dogs can be litterbox trained just like a cat! Instead, they are more closely related to raccoons and coatimundis. Be prepared to stay up late if you get one of these adorable nocturnal marsupials. 1. Florida is home to a diverse range of wildlife species, including mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, and various marine life. Such corporation must have qualified personnel responsible for the care of such venomous reptiles. For each additional bird, increase perimeter by 25 percent. Lizards 37 inches to 6 feet in length. (a) For one or two animals, a paddock enclosing 500 square feet, 6 feet high. West Indian Manatee, (a) For one or two animals, a cage 6 feet by 4 feet, 4 feet high. The cage or enclosure must be labeled Live Animal and list the number of specimens and common and scientific name of the wildlife. The exhibitor shall take reasonable sanitary precautions to minimize the possibility of disease or parasite transmission which could adversely affect the health or welfare of citizens or wildlife.