They only reach the size of a medium-sized dog. (1) No person, firm, or corporation shall use elephants for rides without first obtaining written authorization from the Commission. (2) Conviction/convicted -- any judicial disposition other than acquittal or dismissal. 3. Giraffes And Otters In Florida: Obtaining A Permit. (e) Aquatic (e.g., common river otters, sea otters, giant river otter). Compared to many of the exotic animals on this list, they make great pets, especially for those who have done their research and are ready to dedicate their time. b. Standard Caging Requirements for Rodents, Rabbits, Hedgehogs, Tenrecs, and Solendons. All cages shall have secure locking devices. 9, Fla. Const. (g) Sick or injured wildlife shall be afforded prompt veterinary treatment. 13, 1988, Dec. 19, 1989, July 1, 1990, Apr. The licenses cover a variety of native and nonnative species for activities including breeding, exhibition, sale and personal use. Repealed, 68A-6.0024. Repealed Sept. 30, 2019. 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. The performance bond shall be for the duration of not less than the duration of the licensing period. The upshot of the ruling means that yourpet tegucan live out the rest of itslizard days in Florida, but don't expect to buy a new one after that. For each additional lizard, increase the size by 25 percent of original floor area. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. 2. Enclosure sizes for all snakes or lizards shall be based on the total length of the longest specimen in the enclosure. Although 50 species of snakes are found in Florida, only the 6 listed here are venomous and a danger to humans. (d) Animal cages shall have openings for emergency removal of wildlife. Florida All . (1) Except as otherwise provided in this Title, no person shall possess any native or non-native wildlife in captivity except as authorized by permit issued in accordance with Section 379.3761 or 379.3762, F.S., and as provided in this chapter. CODE ANN. (c) Medium-sized New World monkeys (e.g., capuchins, sakis, uakaris). And this is only just a handful of all the exotic pets you can own legally in the state of Florida. Such individual may be responsible for assisting with emergency response or may assist in providing contact information for the permittee in the event of a critical incident or disaster. 1. (c) Records of sale or transfer, which shall include the following: 2. (b) Penguins-large (e.g., Emperor, King, and southernmost species). In addition to requirements for this section, each enclosure shall be provided with an environment or devices that allow for temperature regulation necessary to ensure the well-being of the species. (1) In order to assure public safety, the facilities for the housing of Class I and Class II wildlife shall meet the requirements of this rule. 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. Adopting an exotic animal is quite an adventure and is something that many people don't ever get to experience due to the time, effort, and dedication that goes in to owning an exotic pet. change, Nov. 13, 2019. (d) The complete facility address where the wildlife is located to include city, state, and zip code. The size of the room(s) equals or exceeds that required for cages and enclosures in this chapter. To speak with a veterinarian in person, please visit our office located inBradenton, Florida. When raised among humans, they are known to be very affectionate and love to rub their heads up on their owners. Another interesting fact is that they are actually the oldest known deer. Location of each electricity and gas shutoff switch/valve. Cavies, paca, pacarana, agoutis and similar sized ground dwelling rodents. For photographic identification the photograph of the specimen must include sufficient distinguishing characteristics (marks, scars, and patterns, etc.) (a) For up to five birds, a cage having 100 square feet of floor, 6 feet high, with the perch elevated 30 inches. 68A-6.002. For up to three birds, a cage having 144 square feet of floor area, 6 feet high, with a perch elevated 4 feet above the floor. They usually do best in pairs or groups. Each cage shall have horizontal climbing apparatus. (2) Bats with a wingspread less than 2 feet. IV, Sec. A Serval is an African wildcat that is legal in some areas of the US. As non-domesticated animals, exotic pets retain many of their wild instincts, even when born into captivity. For each additional animal, increase paddock by 25 percent of the original footage. We're here to answer any questions you may have. Each paddock, habitat, or enclosure shall have an accessible device to provide physical stimulation or manipulation compatible with the species. Standard Caging Requirements for Cervids, Bovids, and Suids. The exact content of the package shall include an accurate and legible list by species scientific name, common name and number of each species included in the entire shipment. For Class II animals, cage construction shall not be less than 11 1/2 gauge chain link or strength equivalent material. (d) Waste: Fecal and food waste shall be removed daily from inside, under, and around cages and stored or disposed of in a manner which prevents noxious odors or pests. For Class I animals, cages shall be constructed of steel, case hardened aluminum, alloy or strength equivalent material. For each additional animal, increase paddock by 25 percent of the original footage. (b) Each cage shall have perching area(s) that will accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. (a) Outdoor facilities -- Construction material shall consist of not less than 11 1/2 gauge chain link or equivalent. For one or two animals, a cage 6 feet by 6 feet, 6 feet high. 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. (d) Class III Animals. Also, be sure to check your local cities, towns, and counties for rules regarding the laws around ownership of the animal you are interested in. Eastern Indigo Snake. (a) For one performing animal, a paddock enclosing not less than 700 square feet, 6 feet high, with access to a shelter. 3. For each additional animal, increase the cage length by 25 percent. b. Wildlife as a Personal Pet | FWC - Florida Fish And Wildlife The roof shall be of sufficient height to permit bird to perch erect on the highest perch. Wet or dry moats may be substituted for the required fencing for retaining some species of wildlife. Class II wildlife: The cages of the facility shall be bounded by a fence of not less than eight (8) feet high, or as an alternative, a fence of not less than six (6) feet high, with a 2-foot, 45 degree, inward angle overhang. (c) Birds of prey used for falconry demonstrations shall be kept as specified in subsection 68A-9.005(6), F.A.C. Crocodiles (except dwarf and Congo) (family Crocodylidae), 22. For each additional bird, increase cage original floor area by 25 percent. (b) Acts which perpetuate the commercial trade in wildlife, including the trade, sale, offering for trade or sale, breeding except as authorized herein, or buying of captive wildlife or parts thereof, by any such wildlife sanctuary for captive wildlife are prohibited. Bottlenose Dolphin, c. Gibbons and siamangs not less than four (4) months of age and not more than two (2) years of age. Captive Wildlife Licenses and Permits | FWC - Florida Fish And Wildlife Many don't require a permit, but some do. These cats are known to eat small prey like birds, rodents, some amphibians, reptiles, fish, and insects. IV, Sec. One of these references must be licensed by the commission for wildlife of the same family and the same or higher class for which the applicant is seeking authorization or a representative of a professional organization or governmental institution. FL - Exotic Pets - Animal Legal & Historical Center (c) Venomous reptiles and reptiles of concern may be housed outside of secondary containment in outdoor primary enclosures meeting the following conditions: 1. This species of tortoise is also known as the Kleinmann's Tortoise. Now that we have mentioned the top ten legal exotic animals in Florida, are there any that really caught your eye? (a) For one or two animals, a cage 6 feet by 4 feet, 4 feet high. Each cage shall have a 3 foot by 4 foot pool of water, 2 feet deep. The insurance policy shall be for a duration of not less than the duration of the licensing period. It shall be unlawful for any person whether licensed or not to keep, possess, or exhibit any venomous reptile or reptile of concern in any manner not approved as safe, secure and proper by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 5. For each additional adult bird, increase enclosure and pool size by 25 percent. Tech. 2. The license costs 140 dollars every year. In 1963, one breeder decided to cross domestic cats with the Asian Leopard Cat to make the Bengal! 2. In such cases, written documentation by a veterinarian confirming the need for such exemption shall be maintained by the permittee and made available to Commission employees upon request. Gorillas. If you are thinking about getting a pet, be sure to do your research and find an animal that is the right fit for your lifestyle and personality. Identification of Non-Native Venomous Reptiles and Reptiles of Concern; Escape. Incidental contact with Class I wildlife is authorized only as follows: a. Repealed, 68A-6.0023. In addition to requirements of this section, each enclosure shall be equipped with a shelter(s) or nest box(es) that shall accommodate all the animals in the enclosure simultaneously. 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. The exhibitor shall indemnify and save harmless the injured party if an injury occurs or other damage results from exhibited reptiles. For up to two birds, a cage 3 feet by 2 feet, 3 feet high. 68A-6.016. (a) For one or two animals, a cage 10 feet by 10 feet, 8 feet high. Free-handling of non-native venomous reptiles outside of secondary containment is prohibited. Each cage shall have a horizontal climbing apparatus. The okapi is generally much smaller than the African giraffes you know and love, featuring dark coats and striped legs. Bearded Dragon. Title 68. The new rules would, eliminate commercial breeding and pet ownership of 16 high-risk reptiles; put thehigh-risk reptiles on the state's prohibited species list, and limiting possession to permitted facilities engaged in educational exhibition, research or eradication or control activities. 68A-6.0022. 10 Legal Exotic Pets That Pose No Threat to Public Safety Finally, sloths can be difficult to care for. Pet industry interests opposed the rule as too harsh on their businesses. For two or more animals kept together, add one third more cage length for each additional animal. Squirrels also need tons of room to run, roam, climb, and play. Snub-nosed langurs (genus Phinopithecus), 16. Record of identification including PIT tag numbers where applicable, along with information about the specimen being identified (species, method of identification, specimen name or number, gender and age) must be maintained in the possessors records for as long as the specimen is possessed. Repealed Sept. 30, 2019. 1. 2. Emotions sometimes boiledover asmore than 170 people called in to comment, many asking to stop the ban or at least reconsider it. Transfer of Wildlife and Record Keeping Requirements. FWC says Burmese pythons and the other 15 exotic species are a significant threat to Floridas ecology, economy and human health and safety. Do not sell or share my personal information. Photographs of each elephant must be updated at each application and shall include a full view of the front and both sides of the elephant. (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. 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 the purposes of this paragraph, a contiguous landowner or neighbor shall mean the current resident, if known, or landowner for all properties sharing a common boundary with the facility location. The permit costs $115 and is valid for one year. Were also here to help in any way we can. CreditsAdopted Aug. 1, 1979; Amended Dec. 3, 1979, June 4, 1981, June 21, 1982; Transferred from 39-6.02; Amended June 1, 1986, July 1, 1990, July 1, 1992, Sept. 15, 1996; Transferred from 39-6.002; Amended Aug. 27, 2009. The experience must be gained by working with a qualified handler who is currently authorized as a handler for that specific elephant. 2. (1) Any person who keeps or possesses any live reptile of concern; or who keeps or possesses for personal use any live venomous reptile not indigenous to Florida or any live reptile of concern, in accordance with sections 379.372 and 379.373, F.S., must permanently identify such reptile. Law Implemented Art. Key Deer, The entire width of a roadway shall be considered sharing a common boundary in instances of a roadway between neighboring properties. MSN also provided a story of two people who were sentenced after their pet Burmese python escaped its cage and killed a woman's 2-year-old child. They are actually the ancestor of the fully domesticated Bengal cat. The licensee shall notify the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in writing within 5 calendar days if the performance bond expires, is cancelled or revoked, or for any other reason becomes invalid.