PET REGULATIONS IN FLORIDA
If you're wanting to purchase or adopt a new pet, use these resources to help you find out if the pet you want is prohibited or controlled (i.e., requires a permit) in your state. And don't forget to do some research on the pet you want. Many pets are expensive, time consuming, and can live for a long time. Be prepared to properly care for your pet for its entire lifetime.
florida prohibited and controlled species info
Rules concerning Conditional and Prohibited nonnative species are found in Chapter 68-5, F.A.C. More information is available in Florida Administrative Code and Florida Statutes. For a full list of prohibited nonnative species see Prohibited Nonnative Species List | FWC. Some of these prohibited nonnative species in Florida include:
- Zebra and quagga mussels
- Mitten crab
- Green sunfish
- All species of piranha and pirambeba
- Emin’s giant pouched rat
- Flying foxes
- Mongooses, meerkats
- Dhole/Indian wild dog
- Brushtail possum
- Green iguana
- Nile monitors
- Brown tree snake
- Beni anaconda
- DeSchauensee’s anaconda
- Yellow anaconda
- Java sparrow
- Pink/rosy starling
Additionally, The Florida Administrative Code and the Florida Statutes govern the importation and introduction of nonnative fish and wildlife:
- It is unlawful for any person to possess, transport or otherwise bring into the state or to release or introduce in the state any freshwater fish, aquatic invertebrate, marine plant, marine animal, or wild animal life that is not native to the state without a permit from the Commission, except fathead minnow, variable platy, coturnix quail, and ring-necked pheasant. (68-5.001, F.A.C.)
- It is unlawful to import into the state or place in any of the fresh waters of the state any freshwater fish of any species without having first obtained a permit from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (379.28, F.S.)
- It is unlawful to import for sale or use, or to release within this state, any species of the animal kingdom not indigenous to Florida without having first obtained a permit from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (379.231, F.S.)
- It is unlawful to import or possess any marine plant or marine animal, not indigenous to the state, which, due to the stimulating effect of the waters of the state on procreation, may endanger or infect the marine resources of the state or pose a human health hazard, except as provided in this section. (379.26, F.S.)
Now, keep in mind, just because an animal is legal to own in the state, it doesn’t mean the city you live in allows it. Many local cities and counties have their own restrictions on which animals are legal to keep, and which are not. Consider checking with your local city and/or county for their regulations regarding what pets you can and can’t own. It is your responsibility to comply with all local laws, ordinances and covenants before importing or possessing live wildlife.
For more information on prohibited species, please see the links below.
Nonnative Species Permit Applications and Information | FWC
Regulations for Nonnative, Conditional, and Prohibited Species | FWC