legal exotic pets in florida legal exotic pets in florida

It's really a thing. Alligators, on the other hand, do not require a permit, but must be kept in an enclosed area that is at least 125 square feet. For one or two lizards, a cage or enclosure 30 inches by 12 inches, 12 inches high. It's also illegal to own cheetahs, komodo dragons, bears. Editor's Choice: The Daughter Of The Man Who Built The Lombardi Trophy Wants An Apology From Tom Brady. (2) Qualification requirements for a permit to possess venomous reptiles or reptiles of concern: (a) Age Requirement: Applicants to possess venomous reptiles or reptiles of concern shall be at least 18 years of age. Free-handling of non-native venomous reptiles outside of secondary containment is prohibited. Commission, Division of Law Enforcement as required below: (a) Any person in possession of Class I wildlife, Class II wildlife, or capuchin, spider, or woolly monkeys, shall report any escapes of such wildlife immediately upon discovery. Outdoor open-topped enclosures may only be used to house venomous reptiles native to the State of Florida and shall be inspected and approved by the Commission prior to use. Each cage shall have perching area(s) and nest box(es) that will accommodate all animal(s) in the enclosure simultaneously. "It's just common sense that you can't succeed in bailing out your canoe without first plugging your hole," Bennett said. However, they can be kept as pets with a permit/license. 2. Such information shall be submitted to the Commission at the time of initial or renewal application. They live much longer and happier lives in the wild. Ifyou already own an exotic pet, cat or dog and suspect a health issue, schedule an appointment at University Animal Clinic right away. There are a small number of counties where monkeys are fully legal, however, and exotic pet owners tend to flock there. 68A-6.0021. Such injury shall be reported immediately, or as soon as practicable, to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Law Enforcement. Applicants shall demonstrate no less than one (1) year of substantial practical experience (to consist of no less than 1,000 hours) in the care, feeding, handling and husbandry of the species or other species within the same biological family which are similar in characteristics and care to the species for which the permit is sought. (3) Eagles, hawks, owls, vultures, toucans and toucanets. They are somewhat similar to a cheetah and are often mistaken as such. Such records shall be maintained and made available for inspection by Commission personnel. 68A-6.0072. A private elephant ride shall be prearranged and must have a written contract in place at least 24 hours in advance and not be open to the general public. The FWC requires that kangaroos be kept in an approved enclosure that is at least 1,000 square feet and has a roof. Many people describe them as well-mannered enough to live in the home. Blood pythons or large constrictors that exceed 12 feet upon maturity: Boas, pythons, or anacondas. In April 2017, the D.C. 13, 1988, Dec. 19, 1989, July 1, 1990, Apr. In addition to adopting a skunk as a baby, you can also adopt an adult one from local skunk rescues. 2. Lizards 37 inches to 6 feet in length. Permit: Not required and they can be purchased in a number of pet shops. With written notification to the Commission, this period may be extended in circumstances where a licensed veterinarian has certified that a longer holding period is medically necessary in the interests of the health, safety and welfare of the subject animals or the public. Class I cats (Felidae only) that weigh not more than twenty-five (25) pounds. Is it legal to own a kangaroo in Florida? Possession of Class I, II, and III Wildlife: Permit Application Criteria. 1. Repealed. First, you need to make sure that you have the appropriate permits from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Red pandas can be expensive to buy, and they require a lot of care, so it is important to make sure that you are prepared for the responsibility before you make the commitment. CreditsAdopted June 21, 1982; Amended July 5, 1984; Transferred from 39-6.011; Amended June 1, 1986, May 10, 1987, Apr. Possession or Transfer of Class I Wildlife as Personal Use Wildlife. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. The caging or enclosure of all wildlife temporarily held under this section shall not be smaller than that required for the caged animal to stand up, lie down, and turn around without touching the sides of the enclosure or another animal. PERMIT allowed for wild-caught fox, skunk, bat, raccoon, or whitetail deer for scientific, educational, exhibition, propagation, management or other justifiable purposes or for exhibition or sale. (a) Records of sale or transfer shall include the date of sale or transfer; quantity and species of wildlife sold or transferred; name and complete address of the recipient; and permit or license identification number of the recipient where applicable. (a) For one or two animals, a cage 40 feet by 20 feet, 8 feet high. For two or more animals kept together, add one third more cage length for each additional animal. The pool area shall equal no less than two times the shell width, by two times the shell length of the largest turtle. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Thursday voted unanimously for a set of rules that would ban owning or breeding six types of pythons, the green . (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. "We're investing billions of dollars to restore the Everglades. For Class I animals, cages shall be constructed of steel, case hardened aluminum, alloy, or strength equivalent material. (d) Class III Animals. 2. Animals from the wild (including injured, orphaned, or abandoned native animals) are NEVER eligible to be kept as personal pets in Florida. 3. Such device shall be noninjurious, and may include, but is not limited to, boxes, balls, bones, barrels, drums, rawhide, pools, etc. (f) The current inventory of venomous reptiles or reptiles of concern possessed, identified by species and quantity. (c) Elephant is undergoing medical treatment or research. 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. In 1963, one breeder decided to cross domestic cats with the Asian Leopard Cat to make the Bengal! Drew Bartlett, director of the South Florida Water Management District, had more of an issue with green iguanas. 68A-6.0011. (2) It is unlawful to exhibit venomous reptiles to the public without having posted a performance bond as listed below. It will be important to do plenty of research on the animal you are interested in so you can provide it with an amazing home and an amazing life. The applicant for a permit to possess Class III wildlife shall provide the following information: (e) The county or counties where the facility is located. The list of mammals legal to import into the islands consists of guinea pigs, chinchillas, rabbits, mice . (b) Each cage shall have perching area(s) and horizontal climbing apparatus. 68A-6.0041. change, Nov. 13, 2019. When raised among humans, they are known to be very affectionate and love to rub their heads up on their owners. Anaconda. 5. Florida All . The applicant for a permit to possess Class I or II wildlife shall provide the following information: (a) The applicant's legal name, date of birth, and contact information to include personal phone number, business phone number, and email address, if any. Florida. They are nectarivorous, which means that they eat a diet of mainly nectar and pollen. (Repealed). Such retired performing wildlife shall be permanently identified and records maintained and submitted as prescribed in subparagraphs (1)(d)1.-2., above. 2. In instances where Class I wildlife is seized or taken into custody by the Commission the permittee shall be responsible for payment of all expenses relative to the capture, transport, boarding, veterinary care, or other costs associated with or incurred due to seizure or custody of the wildlife. For one or two animals, a cage 6 feet by 6 feet, 8 feet high. (c) Cats: Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), Servals (Leptailurus serval), Caracals (Caracal caracal), Bobcats (Lynx rufus), African golden cats (Profelis aurata), Temminck's golden cats (Profelis temmincki), and Fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrina). Hybrids are regulated the same as their more restricted parent. (c) A fence sufficient to deter entry by the public, which shall be a minimum of five (5) feet in height, shall be present around the premises wherein Class I or Class II animals are housed or exercised outdoors. In Alabama for example, it's illegal to own mongooses as pets. For one or two animals, a cage or enclosure 4 feet by 4 feet, 4 feet high. Email: CWApps@myFWC.com. These ones definitely cannot be kept as pets. 5. Scientific Collection Permit (intentional take for scientific or conservation purposes), Need research plan or education plan and documentation of conservation plan, Florida Burrowing Owl Incidental Take Permit, Southeastern American Kestrel Incidental Take Permit, Non Florida Resident Raptor Take (Falconry) Permit (falconry for nonresidents), Resident falconry regulated under captive wildlife laws, PERMIT along with Certificate of Veterinary Inspection within 30 days (Owner-Shipper Statement if exempt) required for import of restricted animals (, Permit for Movement of Restricted Animals, Hoofed animals need a certificate within 5 days prior, Elephants are categorized into Category 1 (no Mtb/Trunk Wash (TW) exposure), Category 2 (Mtb exposure but TW negative), and Category 3 (positive TW bans travel except medical reasons). CreditsAdopted June 21, 1982; Transferred from 39-6.06; Transferred from 39-6.006. It's also illegal to own cheetahs, komodo dragons, bears. The outer box or container shall be constructed of material strong enough to prevent escape and shall have small air holes, which shall be screened. It is important to note that any person caught owning an illegal exotic pet faces a steep fine and/or jail time. Some people like to keep fruit bats as pets in Florida. Tethering shall permit normal postural movement of the elephant. Rooms or outbuildings shall not be equipped with roll-up or retractable type entrances. (b) Primates, Class I and Class II. These playful and beautiful animals are legal, again, with a Class 3 permit. 68A-6.016. As used herein, the singular includes the plural. Second, sloths can be quite expensive. For one or two animals, a cage 28 feet by 24 feet, 10 feet high. These include, but are not limited to, lions, tigers, chimpanzees, gorillas, and alligators. Such shelter shall be attached to or adjacent to the paddock, habitat, or enclosure. (b) The animal traveling area shall be free of engine exhaust fumes. 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. Each cage shall have chewing items and an area of sufficient depth to provide for digging. Such time may be extended with a veterinarian's statement, showing that such size cage is required for the continued health and welfare of the animals until a certain date. BANS take, possession and sale of federally listed endangered and threatened species and state threatened species. "The fact that I'm calling speaks to the gravity of this issue," Stone told commissioners. If no Class III wildlife is currently possessed, then the planned inventory shall be provided, identified by species. The cage or enclosure must be labeled Live Animal and list the number of specimens and common and scientific name of the wildlife. (b) Large (e.g., geese, swans, and similar size). For the purposes of this paragraph, escape shall mean escape from primary containment when its whereabouts are unknown, or any escape from secondary containment. For one or two animals, a paddock enclosing 100 square feet, 6 feet high. (d) The complete facility address where the wildlife is located to include city, state, and zip code. In hibernation, their metabolism slows down, and body temperature decreases. See Source for more details. (b) Each enclosure shall have a pool of water, 60 square feet, 3 feet deep, equipped with a ramp or steps. Amended Sept. 30, 2019. To give you an idea about your options and to learn what exotic pets are legal in Florida, keep reading! (3) Wolves (e.g., gray wolf, except red wolf, maned wolf, hyenas, African wild dogs, Cape hunting dogs). Instead, it is best to contact a professional. Documented educational experience in zoology or other relevant biological sciences, obtained at the college or technical school level or above, may substitute for up to six months or 500 hours of the required experience. (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. (a) Venomous reptile or reptile of concern licensees and employees shall each be fully responsible for any employees' care, use and/or possession of the licensee's venomous reptiles or reptiles of concern. Possession and Exhibition of Venomous Reptiles and Reptiles of Concern. (18) Serious bodily injury -- injury to any person which consists of a physical condition that causes death, creates a substantial risk of death, serious personal disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ. (h) Ground hornbills, Indian great hornbills, crowned pigeons and similar sized birds. 68A-6.0126. (d) Large (e.g., wolverine, binturong, African civet). (c) Irrevocable letter of credit issued by a bank, savings and loan, credit union or other similar state or federally chartered financial institution, payable to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in the sum of $10,000. On average, they can live between ten and thirteen years, but in captivity or in the care of humans, they can live a bit longer. If the applicant is unable to document such experience, as an alternative the applicant may take a written examination. (3) It is unlawful to possess Class I wildlife without having guaranteed financial responsibility. b. The following Class I and Class II wildlife are exempt from the facility requirements of paragraphs (3)(a)-(d) as listed above: (a) Permits authorizing possession of infants only including: 1. (c) Penguins-small (e.g., Humboldts, blackfoot and northernmost species). 2. However, they are much smaller. Such protocol shall be current and accurate. The insurance policy shall be for a duration of not less than the duration of the licensing period. (b) Persons possessing any live venomous reptile or reptile of concern in accordance with Section 379.372, F.S., for personal use shall submit a report including quantity of births, deaths, in-state acquisitions, out-of-state acquisitions, in-state sales or transfers, and out-of-state sales or transfers of both native and non-native venomous reptiles, per biological family, and reptiles of concern, per species. Written documentation is available to verify the age of the animal. But primarily, they love to eat fruit, honey, and nectar. For each additional animal, increase the cage length by 25 percent. Each enclosure shall have an accessible device to provide physical stimulation or manipulation compatible with the species. The license costs 140 dollars every year. Sign up for our newsletter and get a curated list of the top (a) Outdoor facilities -- Cage construction materials shall consist of not less than 14-gauge wire or strength equivalent material. (c) Elephants. If someone were to take in a raccoon at a young age, it would be very important to get it to a veterinarian specialist who can provide preventative care and get it spayed or neutered. 1. Florida Statutes Florida Administrative Rules. Cage floor shall include an area of sufficient depth to provide for digging. The following methods of payment will satisfy the financial responsibility requirement: (a) A valid performance bond payable to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in the sum of $10,000, in compliance with and as noted in paragraph 68A-6.005(2)(a), F.A.C., above. Such device shall be noninjurious, and may include, but is not limited to boxes, balls, bones, barrels, drums, rawhide, pools, etc. In addition to the requirements for this section, each cage or enclosure shall have an accessible device to provide physical stimulation or manipulation compatible with the species.