New Rules for Florida Exotic Pets
The FWC has held meetings around the state to get input from the public regarding the proposed changes, including a workshop held in Fort Lauderdale Wednesday evening. The changes will make it more difficult to obtain Burmese pythons, Anacondas, Nile monitors and other exotic reptiles.
Current law only regulates the possession of poisonous reptiles. The regulations also address minimum requirements for new facilities housing tigers, lions, monkeys and other exotic wildlife.
The new regulations require permits to possess the reptiles and will establish minimum caging requirements. Owners will also be required to implant a small microchip under the skin of the reptiles to identify them. The FWC’s proposed definition of "reptiles of concern" may also be amended to include the green iguana. Some neighborhoods in South Florida have been overrun by iguanas that damage foliage and threaten pets.
These proposed new laws follow increasing legislation across the United States which tackles the irresponsible keeping of exotic pets, and in some cases banning them altogether.
