(f) Any sanctuary possessing Class I wildlife as listed in rule 68A-6.002, F.A.C., must meet the bonding or financial responsibility guarantee requirements of paragraphs 68A-6.005(3)(a)-(f), F.A.C. For each additional lizard, increase size by 10 inches or 25 percent in length and width. So, the point of this article is to list the top exotic animals that are legal to own in each state. For one or two animals, a cage or enclosure 2 feet by 2 feet, 4 feet high. A copy of such record shall be provided to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Law Enforcement, upon annual renewal of the license issued in accordance with Section 379.3761, F.S., and authorizing possession of such wildlife. 2. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 50 percent of original floor area. The inward angle fencing shall be made of the same material as the vertical fencing. (a) Persons exhibiting or selling live venomous reptiles or reptiles of concern in accordance with Section 379.372 or 379.3761, F.S., 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. (2) It shall be unlawful for any person to buy, sell, or transfer any wildlife to or from an unpermitted entity within Florida. These adorable tiny creatures are known to be the smallest marsupial in the world. Primary enclosures equipped with tracks holding sliding panels shall have the tracks secured with screws or rivets and enclosure design shall be escape-proof for the species contained therein. Eastern Cottontail, This Exotic Pet Is Legal in Your State - PetHelpful In lieu of a stout closely woven cloth sack, the venomous reptile may be contained in a trap, container or box of solid construction which is locked or otherwise secured. These measurements shall be based on the largest bird in the enclosure. The bottom apron must be buried to prevent injury to the captive wildlife in the enclosure. Any components constructed of lumber byproducts such as oriented strand board (OSB), medium density fibreboard (MDF) and melamine shall be no less than one-half (1/2) inch in thickness, shall not be directly exposed to weather and shall be constructed, covered, coated or treated to be impervious to moisture. 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. However, raccoons start the process of reaching sexual maturity as young as six months of age. For one or two animals, a cage, enclosure, or paddock 10 feet by 10 feet, 6 feet high. Tech. In Florida, there are a number of exotic animals that are legal to own as pets. 14, 1992, Feb. 1, 1998; Transferred from 39-6.004; Amended Jan. 1, 2008; Amended Aug. 27, 2009. 4. Institutions like zoos and sanctuaries can, of course, apply for a license, but the process is highly regulated. The above requirements shall not apply to applicants for permits to possess ostriches, rheas, emus, cassowaries or coyotes when possessed for purposes other than public exhibition or personal use. This species of tortoise is also known as the Kleinmann's Tortoise. Florida Animal Laws Allow You To Own Some Surprising Exotic Animals As Eastern Indigo Snake. (f) The current inventory of venomous reptiles or reptiles of concern possessed, identified by species and quantity. CreditsAdopted Jan. 1, 2008; Amended Jan. 1, 2008; Amended Aug. 27, 2009. Amended July 8, 2010; April 5, 2018. Nine-banded Armadillo, Incidental contact: For the purpose of this section, incidental contact is defined as situations in which an exhibitor or employee handler maintains control, possession and supervision of the animal while permitting the public to come into contact with it. In hibernation, their metabolism slows down, and body temperature decreases. (I) For up to two animals, a cage 4 feet by 4 feet, 4 feet high. Each enclosure shall have an accessible device to provide physical stimulation or manipulation compatible with the species. Licensees shall not be required to notify the Commission if these rides were previously submitted on the itinerary required as part of their application for licensure under Section 379.3761, F.S. Name, primary and secondary phone, email, physical and mailing address, number of terrapins, and caging description, Exhibition/Education also requires institution/program name (if applicable), type of institution/program, institution/program physical and mailing address, description of educational exhibit, and proposal with scope of exhibition/education with program type, hours, if public accessible, costs or fees to public, brief history, and lesson plans, Photographs showing head and tail from top and side, Authorization to send request for additional information, Answer whether found guilty of wildlife violations or had fish or wildlife permit suspended or revoked, Must contact FWC and amend the permit for any information change, BANS breeding for pets AND males/females must be separate unless sterlized - breeding must be authorized for exhibition/education, Enclosure must be 5x shell length x 2x shell width of largest one with temperature regulation device that is non-injurious, non-injurious substrate like gravel or carpet, pool of water 2x shell width by 2x shell width and deep enough for submersion based on largested terrapin, and dry resting area, (Exhibit/Education) Need minimum 12 educational engagement/48 hours annually, (Exhibit/Education) Permanently displayed terrapins must be available for viewing during hours of operation, (Exhibit/Education) Need detailed report of activities, (Exhibit/Education) Must submit permit renewals 45 days prior to expiration, EXEMPT: as allowed under scientific collection permits or other state or federal permit, EXEMPT: take and incidental take of federally endangered or threatened species authorized by USFWS or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations National Marine Fisheries Service exempt from state permit unless state permit specifically authorized under written agreement with them - if no federal permit required, then no state permit is required. If no venomous reptiles or reptiles of concern are currently possessed, then the planned inventory shall be provided, identified by species. b. 68A-6.0011. They can get a little bit nippy and aggressive, but that's usually only if they are bored. Standard Caging Requirements for Procyonids, Red Pandas, and Mustelids. "Shouldn't you be looking at rules that punish outlaws?" (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). 68A-6.0071. 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. All Class I wildlife possessed for personal use in accordance with the provisions for Class II Wildlife, shall be permanently identified by means of tattoo, brand, passive integrated transponder (PIT tag), photographic identification, or other method that clearly and permanently identifies that particular specimen so as to be distinguished from other specimens of the same species. For one or two animals, a cage 8 feet by 8 feet, 6 feet high. (h) A list of equipment utilized to temporarily house and transport wildlife (including transport cages and vehicles) and location where equipment is stored. (d) Large (e.g., wolverine, binturong, African civet). For Class II animals, cage construction shall not be less than 11 1/2 gauge chain link or strength equivalent material. Skunks cannot be taken from the wild and possessed as pets. The facility shall contain a buffer zone of not less than thirty-five (35) feet between the caged wildlife and the facility property line. IV, Sec. 6. (2) It is unlawful to exhibit venomous reptiles to the public without having posted a performance bond as listed below. Such report shall be submitted to the Commission using the provided form available on http://www.myFWC.com or online through http://www.GoOutdoorsFlorida.com upon annual renewal of license and upon any instance of inventory change. Class I, Class II, and Class III. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake: Venomous snake that can deliver a potent bite if disturbed or threatened. For purposes of demonstrating compliance, applicants shall submit documentation of such experience, including: a. (a) For up to 6 animals, an enclosure 21 feet by 21 feet, 6 feet high. IV, Sec. They may also be prone to obesity, so it is important to stick to a healthy diet and to provide plenty of exercise. (b) Live reptiles of concern shall be permanently identified with a unique passive integrated transponder (PIT tag). Crocodiles (except dwarf and Congo) (family Crocodylidae), 22. Such information shall be verifiable by Commission personnel through inspections. Commercialization of Wildlife; Bonding or Financial Responsibility Guarantee. Florida Today. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. (c) Records of sale or transfer, which shall include the following: 2. (d) A list of chemical capture equipment (including drugs, delivery systems, and supplies) and location where equipment is stored, if applicable. Muntjac deer are a small deer native to various parts of the world, including China, Pakistan, France, and Germany. Any water containers used shall be clean. CreditsAdopted July 1, 1990; Amended July 1, 1990, July 1, 1991, Feb. 1, 1998; Transferred from 39-6.0022; Amended Apr. Location of access point to facility if access is controlled by fences, gates, etc. For each additional bird, increase cage original floor area by 25 percent. These exotic pets, which are actually technically domesticatedperhaps more so than a common non-pedigree catare legal in most states depending on their percentage of so-called wild genetics. The size of the room(s) equals or exceeds that required for cages and enclosures in this chapter. Drew Bartlett, director of the South Florida Water Management District, had more of an issue with green iguanas. (d) The amendments to the facility requirements in subsection (1), of this rule, shall be effective December 31, 2016, but shall not apply to those facilities licensed to possess venomous reptiles prior to that date. Sale, barter of exchange of live ones imported after 8/1/2014, Common carriers receiving live ones not from state or adjacent federal waters, Wholesale or retail dealers are limited to lionfish from state or adjacent federal waters AND have receipts or invoices verifying it, Wholesale/retail dealers may possess and sell lionfish imported before 8/1/2014 with chain of possession, Aquaculturists with certificate of registration may raise juveniles or adults from state or adjacent federal waters AND have receipts or invoices verifying it, Must be college or university faculty member, accredited institution affiliation or agency member AND must be for researching population control measures or mitigating negative impacts to native species, Outdoor tanks must be 1 above 100-year flood elevation with barrier system, Indoors must be culture system with no discharge, closed system or similar, Detailed research proposal and annual record or progress, Detailed report of research findings for renewals, Immediately report escapes or release to FWC, Using elephants that caused a safety incident for rides or with public contact, Weakening or breaching integrity of boundary or barrier, Contact with elephant during ride except handler, assistant or riders, Full contact with elephant except during ride (limited to back and sides), Photographic information of each elephant with front and side views, Notarized safety record with safety incidents (human or animal injury or death) and escapes, Notify commission immediately of safety incident or escape AND allows termination of rides unless incident not caused by elephant or handler and could not have been prevented, Provide itinerary at least 24 hours before ride unless at facility, Tethering device and firearm at all locations, Written emergency response plan as listed, 1 qualified handler and 1 assistant present that are 18+ with NO unsafe wildlife conditions or animal abuse or neglect violation in last 3 years and are approved in writing, Handler needs 1000 documented and signed off hours of free contact experience with 1st elephant from working with current handler and 250 hours per additional elephant, Ride area such as a ring curb and secured public barrier at least 5 from ride that is at least 44 tall with no more than 6 gaps and has Keep Out signs every 10, Private Rides: allows for those with continual ride authorization since effective date if it is prearranged, has written contract 24 hours+ in advance, not open to public, is limited to guests and host, and has 2 handlers and assistants barrier not required, Allows beneficiary for prohibited species permit holder that dies to be issued a permit to keep animal for life if application sent within 90 days, EXEMPT: Commercial sales of prohibited green iguanas and tegus with License to Possess Class III Wildlife for Exhibition or Public Sale on 6/30/2020 and held or planned to hold those species on their 2018 or 2019 license - Void if transferred - BANS breeding after 6/30/24, Conditional/Prohibited/Nonnative Species Permits, Native fish are allowed to be kept in aquariums up to the fishing possession limit for each species, INCLUDES: freshwater and marine ornamental fish and invertebrates, alligator farmers and exhibitors, freshwater turtle farms, crustaceans, grass carp, snails, baitfish, algae and shellfish for commercial use, EXEMPT: hobbyists and those who grow for personal use, Restricted Species Authorization for restricted species, Restricted Crustaceans: Australian red claw, red swamp crayfish, white river crayfish, Sovereign submerged land lease for live rock on state submerged lands, BANS staghorn, elkhorn, rough cactus, pillar, lobed star, mountainous star, boulder star, Must comply with Aquaculture Best Management Practices, Shellfish require Shellfish Harvester Education Training.