Temminck's golden cats (Profelis temmincki), 21. 5. Elephants shall be tethered during transport (except nursing young). For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. Use and possession of firearms specified in the plan shall be in compliance with Chapter 790, F.S. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. (3) Badgers, weasels and polecats, skunks, fishers, ferrets, otters, wolverines, minks, martins, civets, genets, mongoose, and binturong.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. According to MSN, these pets are banned in the Sunshine State: chimpanzees, tigers, lions, crocodiles, jaguars, leopards, venomous reptiles. 4. (f) The current inventory of venomous reptiles or reptiles of concern possessed, identified by species and quantity. All cages shall have secure locking devices. Each cage shall also have climbing apparatus. Asian Leopard Cats, as well as Bengals, are actually one of very few cats that actually enjoy the water and are confident swimmers. The animal most likely to pose a threat to humans in Florida is the American alligator. Such records shall be made available for inspection, upon request, of commission personnel. 1:59. (a) The enclosure shall be large enough to permit aerial maneuvering within the enclosure. (a) Identification: Applicants for elephant ride authorization shall include in their application identifying information including photographic identification and other information that clearly identifies the elephant(s) to be used in the rides. Turtles (other than tortoises and box turtles): For one or two turtles, an enclosure with an area at least five times the shell length by two times the shell width of the largest turtle. (e) Rare, endangered or otherwise protected specimens of wildlife may be transferred for breeding purposes in instances where such breeding program clearly enhances the survival potential of the species. 1. The currently authorized handler must sign the provided experience hours certifying all claimed hours were gained in their presence and with the specific elephant for which they are requesting authorization. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. b. For each additional animal, increase the cage by 25 percent of original floor area. Perches shall be constructed in a manner and of materials that provide for effective cleaning or replacement to insure the health of the birds. 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. And managing the threat is not cheap. For soft-shelled turtles, a non-abrasive pool bottom is required. trending stories every day. See Source for more details. The licensee shall notify the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in writing within 5 calendar days if the insurance policy expires, is cancelled or revoked, or for any other reason becomes invalid. Amended Sept. 30, 2019. (5) No person, except the ride participants, qualified handler, or assistant, may come into contact with the elephant while it is conducting a ride. Possession of Wildlife in Captivity; Permit Requirements. 2. (b) Indoor facilities -- Potential escape routes shall be equipped with wire or grating of not less than nine-gauge or equivalent. Standard Caging Requirements for Bears. Top Legal Exotic Pets in Each American State For one or two animals, a cage 10 feet by 8 feet, 6 feet high. (h) Ground hornbills, Indian great hornbills, crowned pigeons and similar sized birds. Such shelter shall be attached to or adjacent to the paddock, habitat, or enclosure. If transferred or sold, the full name, address, and Florida captive wildlife license ID (if applicable) of the recipient. All cages shall be well ventilated and shall have secure locking devices. (4) Group IV -- Crocodiles, gavials, alligators, caimans, komodo dragons. Enclosures shall be provided with shelter(s). (e) Cleaning and maintenance: Hard floors within cages or enclosures shall be cleaned a minimum of once weekly. 4. 68A-6.0022. 68A-6.0129. 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. If more than one parcel, the adjacent parcels must have a minimum of 100 feet common linear boundary. Gopher Tortoise, (f) For elephant rides open to the general public there shall be a ride area and public barrier as defined below: 1. For one or two animals, a cage 8 feet by 10 feet, 8 feet high. (5) Any Class I or Class II wildlife exempt from meeting the facility requirements of paragraphs (3)(a)-(d) of this rule, must meet the following: (a) Class I wildlife shall not be possessed in any multi-unit dwellings or on any premises consisting of less than one quarter acre of land area. 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. Top 18 Exotic Pets That Are Legal In The US - Everything Reptiles 10 Legal Exotic Pets That Pose No Threat to Public Safety (h) Reptiles of concern: On or after January 1, 2008, any person or entity not currently permitted to possess reptiles of concern shall satisfactorily answer questions developed by the Commission that assess the applicant's knowledge of general husbandry, nutritional needs, and behavioral characteristics of the reptile of concern to be possessed. (8) Group VIII -- Class III mammals (except spider, woolly, and capuchin monkeys) and Varanidae (except Komodo dragon), giraffe, okapi, tapir, wild cattle, forest, woodland and aridland antelope; and similar species of non-native hoofstock (family Bovidae). 9, Fla. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. The date of transfer, sale, or other disposition. Florida Animal Laws Allow You To Own Some Surprising Exotic Animals As 42). For each additional animal, increase the cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. The exercise intervals shall be of such frequency, intensity and duration as to provide for the health and welfare of the animal over an extended period, provided that the animals shall not be caged without exercise or performances for more than a 72-hour period. Repealed Sept. 30, 2019. seq.) 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). (b) Live reptiles of concern shall be permanently identified with a unique passive integrated transponder (PIT tag). 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. For each additional animal, increase the cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. If you're not ready for that kind of responsibility, you can get up close and personal with sloths and rhinos at this Florida park. Repealed, 68A-6.0025. We've all seen those headlines about people's pet gators escaping, but they aren't the only unexpected wildlife you can keep in the Sunshine State. (7) Any person who maintains captive wildlife in a manner which results in escape of wildlife as specified in subsection (2) above due to such person maintaining captive wildlife in an unsafe condition or in a manner which results in a threat to public safety commits a violation of paragraph 68A-6.009(1)(f), F.A.C. "Please think about everyone's lives. For each additional animal, increase paddock by 25 percent of the original footage. Repealed Sept. 30, 2019. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. They have to be captive-bred if you are applying for one as a pet. Some examples of Class II animals in Florida include coyotes, jackals, badgers, wolverines, servals, caracals, and more. Finally, you need to make sure that you can provide for the monkeys needs, including food, water, and shelter. (5) Failure to report any escapes of wildlife as specified in subsection (2) above, shall be considered a violation of this rule. "We've got to keep up this fight and get better at it," said Pedro Ramos, superintendent of Everglades National Park. New cages or enclosures can be 6 x 5 x 5 high, or any width/length dimension that equals or exceeds the increased cage or enclosure space. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. (b) Cages or enclosures housing captive wildlife shall be sufficiently strong to prevent escape and to protect the caged animal from injury, and shall be equipped with structural safety barriers to prevent any physical contact with the caged animal by the public, except for contacts as authorized under subsection 68A-6.016(1), F.A.C. Kinkajous. Venomous reptile identification labels shall be removed from empty primary enclosures. a. (d) Large (e.g., wolverine, binturong, African civet). PERMIT (Diamondback Terrapin PermitforExhibition andEducation) issued for education, display or outreach by public aquaria, public zoological parks and public exhibitors starting 3/1/22 - renewed 10 years. Key Deer, 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. With any luck, you might just find the animal you're looking for! Chimpanzees up to 50 pounds and macaques. Improper access to or use of any information or material in the examination shall be considered submission of materially false information in the application or other supporting documentation relating to the license, permit or other authorization. Each cage shall have horizontal climbing apparatus. Their tiny footprints only measure about 2.5 cm long! For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. 10 Exotic Pets That Are Legal to Own in California - PetHelpful (b) Crocodilians four (4) feet in length or less. Identification of Non-Native Venomous Reptiles and Reptiles of Concern. They love to get honey out of beehives. For one animal in a non-performing static facility, a paddock enclosing 1,500 square feet, 6 feet high, with access to a shelter. For turtles, other than tortoises and box turtles, such pool shall allow submersion of the largest turtle. Despite public resistance, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted to ban the possession and breeding of 16 high-risk invasive species. Authority: Art. 3. Such handler shall be in the immediate presence of the elephant at all times when the elephant is in position to be in direct contact with the public. They actually have scent glands on their heads, so they are kind of marking or claiming their owners as their own or claiming possession over them. Fun fact, bats are the only mammal capable of flight. Possession of Wildlife in Captivity; Permit Requirements. Non-performing wildlife shall not be kept in cages or enclosures below the size required by the standard caging requirements for more than a total of 45 days out of each 90 day period. Such USDA license shall be obtained within 180 days of initial licensing by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Such records shall be maintained and made available for inspection by Commission personnel. 2131, et. 4. Kinkajous are naturally nocturnal and arboreal. (c) Ringtail possums (Family Pseudocheiridae). Exotic Animals You Can Legally Have As A Pet In Florida That Might Surprise You, The Daughter Of The Man Who Built The Lombardi Trophy Wants An Apology From Tom Brady, let them love on you at this Florida animal sanctuary, up close and personal with sloths and rhinos at this Florida park, You Can Spend Hours Cuddling The Furriest Exotic Animals At This Florida Farm, You Can Adopt A Domestic Pet Skunk From A Rescue In Florida, You Can Chill With Sloths At This Exotic Florida Safari, 6 Wild Experiences With Animals That You Can Actually Do In Florida, You Can Let Wolves Love On You For Only $15 At This Florida Wolf Sanctuary, Florida's Wildlife Park Is Expanding & Will Feel Even More Like An Oversea Safari, Morning Brief: Legal Exotic Animals, Restaurant Intel Only Servers Know & More. Giraffes And Otters In Florida: Obtaining A Permit. (II) Cage floors shall have an area of sufficient depth that provides for digging. They have a long, pointed nose and a long tongue so they can get into all the nooks and crannies they need to get their food out. The exhibitor shall indemnify and save harmless the injured party if an injury occurs or other damage results from exhibited reptiles. Vervet, Grivet or Green monkeys (genus Chlorocebus), 10. change, Nov. 13, 2019. Authority: Art. 9, Fla. Const. Phone: (850) 488-6253. Who knew, right? According to MSN, these pets are banned in the Sunshine State: chimpanzees, tigers, lions, crocodiles, jaguars, leopards, venomous reptiles. For Class II animals, cage construction shall not be less than 11 1/2 gauge chain link or strength equivalent material. Florida All . 2. What Exotic Pets Are Legal In Florida - isalegal (b) Class I wildlife shall only be permitted to come into physical contact with the public in accordance with the following: 1. All rooms or outbuildings housing venomous reptiles shall be locked to prevent unauthorized intrusion, inspected and approved as conforming to these rules by Commission personnel prior to use. Each cage shall have climbing apparatus. 68A-6.0025. Such documentation of experience shall be submitted to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Law Enforcement, and subject to approval upon initial application and upon each instance of change in qualified personnel. CreditsAdopted Jan. 1, 2008; Amended Jan. 1, 2008; Amended Aug. 27, 2009. 68A-6.0172. (7) Reptiles and amphibians held temporarily for herptile shows, expositions, and exhibits may be kept for a maximum of three (3) days in enclosures that allow for normal postural movements and social adjustments and that ensure the health and sanitary needs of the animals. (5) Persons possessing any captive wildlife for purposes of public display or sale shall obtain a permit as specified in Section 379.3761, F.S. 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. But to get one of these, you have to show that you have plenty of experience and have the proper means to provide a good and safe habitat for the animal. a. Emergency response plan and preparation shall include: 1. 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. (b) Medium aquatic rodents (e.g., nutria, mountain beaver). Asian Leopard Cats are another example of exotic animals in Florida that are legal to own. Institutions like zoos and sanctuaries can, of course, apply for a license, but the process is highly regulated. change, Nov. 22, 2019. 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. For each additional animal, increase the cage length by 50 percent. Maintain an annual record of progress toward the research project objectives. For one or two animals, a paddock enclosing 800 square feet, 8 feet high. For the purposes of this section birth shall be defined as the initial hatch or live birth date for the clutch or litter. This species of tortoise is also known as the Kleinmann's Tortoise. FWC spends $3 million a year managing invasive species, the agency says, with one of its primary priorities over the past few years being the Argentine black and white tegu, where almost $1 million is being spent yearly in trying to reduce its population. (b) Each enclosure shall have a pool of water, 60 square feet, 3 feet deep, equipped with a ramp or steps. The exhibitor shall fully comply with all laws of the state and rules of the commission governing the capturing, keeping, possessing or exhibiting of venomous reptiles. Amended Nov. 8, 2010; Dec. 6, 2010; Sept. 30, 2019; June 20, 2022. b. Florida Fish Wildlife Conservation Commission, Legal Definition Of Notwithstanding Clause. (2) It is unlawful to exhibit venomous reptiles to the public without having posted a performance bond as listed below. All cages shall have secure locking devices. A label as described above shall accompany the venomous reptile when it is removed from the primary enclosure and transported outside of an escape-proof room or out building. (5) Hatchling/fledgling birds and newborn reptiles and amphibians may be held in enclosures that allow for normal postural movements and social adjustments that ensure the health and sanitary needs of the animals. For some, like the capuchin, spider monkey, and woolly monkey, getting a permit can require quite a bit of work. Many don't require a permit, but some do. (9) Lock/locked -- a device operated by a key, combination, key card or other locking mechanism approved by the Commission to prevent unauthorized intrusion and make the primary enclosure, secondary containment or building(s) inaccessible to unauthorized personnel. Current licensees that desire to expand their inventory to include a family of Class I or Class II species not previously authorized at their facility location shall comply with the requirements herein. Snub-nosed langurs (genus Phinopithecus), 16. Such injury shall be reported immediately, or as soon as practicable, to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Law Enforcement. IV, Sec. They'll also eat fruit, some vegetables, rodents, and eggs. (14) Primary enclosure -- any structure or device used to directly confine wildlife to a limited amount of space including, but not limited to, cages, pits, paddocks, moated areas and other enclosures. The enclosure shall have concrete or masonry walls, at least eight inches in thickness, or strength equivalent.