New Florida Rules

[wolfy-hound]

Pulled off the FWC website by a friend.
News Release
FWC sharpening captive wildlife regulations

February 8, 2007
Contact: Valli Finney (850) 410-4943

Commissioners for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved new rules concerning reptiles and other captive wildlife Wednesday. The rules will go into effect as early as Jan. 1.

Meanwhile, FWC staff is working with stakeholders and others to stem the invasion of nonnative species that displace or prey on Florida's native species in the wild.

FWC officials plan to work with the agency's Captive Wildlife Technical Advisory Group during the next year to address unresolved issues such as classification of wildlife, regulation of crossbred animals, public contact with wildlife, wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife rehabilitators.

New rules address appropriate locations for housing certain wildlife and the possession and housing of certain reptiles. When they take effect, new rules will require persons who keep wildlife in captivity to have critical incident/disaster plans describing what they will do in the event of a hurricane, flood or fire to prevent animals from escaping into the wild.

They will prohibit providing false information to qualify for permits where documented experience is required. The rules also define "reptiles of concern" and establish requirements for possession. Also, they require having a bite-response plan and cage card identification system for facilities with venomous reptiles.

Escapes of reptiles of concern or nonnative species of venomous reptiles must be reported immediately upon discovery to FWC's Division of Law Enforcement.

These rules create the list of reptiles of concern -- the Indian or Burmese python, reticulated python, African rock python, Amethystine or scrub python, green anaconda and the Nile monitor lizard.

Beginning Jan. 1, a permit will be required to possess these reptiles of concern. People who possess these reptiles as pets must be at least 18 years old and complete an application and questionnaire for the free permit.

The applicant must demonstrate knowledge of the reptile of concern by answering questions about the species, dietary needs, basic husbandry and caging and safe housing requirements. People who possess reptiles of concern will have to ensure their pets are permanently identified by implanting a microchip once the reptile reaches 2 inches in diameter. They also must meet specific record-keeping, reporting, safe housing and minimum cage requirements.

"FWC supports responsible pet ownership. We encourage people wanting to own captive wildlife to learn about the animal, its needs and behaviors before getting the animal," said FWC Capt. Linda Harrison. "Owners also should be aware that Florida laws prohibit the release of nonnative animals."

Violations of these rules could lead to non-criminal infractions ($50 fine) up to criminal misdemeanor charges (up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine).

"Before we begin enforcing these new rules we will focus on educating the public and those who are interested in possessing captive wildlife," Harrison said.

The FWC also is offering an option to pet owners who no longer are able or willing to take care of their fish, amphibians, reptiles or birds.

On March 24 in Clearwater, pet owners may relinquish their animals at FWC's second Pet Amnesty Day. Owners of animals that require a permit now or starting Jan. 1, may bring the pets in with no questions asked. The FWC will attempt to place surrendered pets with qualified caregivers. During this event, people may visit nonnative fish and reptile exhibits and a snake micro-chipping demonstration.

For more information, visit MyFWC.com and follow the "Wildlife" link to " Nonnatives."

[Shelby]

Well, it sounds pretty reasonable to me.. in light of the escaped burm issues in the everglades. The permit is free too.

[djslurp1200]

Well, it sounds pretty reasonable to me.. in light of the escaped burm issues in the everglades. The permit is free too.

Sounds reasonable to me too!

[jbkd]

Seems pretty clear cut and very reasonable to me also.


I am glad to see commissioners run a plan that thinks ahead. Folks in FL, do you have a plan incase of a critical incident/disaster? Even those that don't have large snakes. i know there are some huge breeders down there. I could see other states picking this idea up.

I also like that it is FREE and those that have nothing to hide are able to be honest and not have to pay some fee because others can't follow the rules.

Hopefully (and don't take this the wronge way) this will help control those folks that have to have the BIG snake to out do their buddies. I hate to read about snakes left in trash bins and turning up in strange places, because some kid got a retic to show his friends he got a big snake and when that snake gets big they get scared of it and don't want it. Back when I managed a pet store I would get 3-4 large snakes a week brought in by customers that did not want them anymore. We stopped selling hatchlings of larger snakes due to this.

[djslurp1200]

well I'm happy they atleast require a free permit rather than just ban them all together... It makes sense though... there's already too many large species snakes thriving and breeding in south florida.

[Kilo]

*** I live in Florida ***

This is awesome! I have been waiting to read about this. I only own one large snake (female burm) so I will deff get a permit and the chip. I did not read it... and I understand it fine but I must make sure. This has NOTHING to do with ball pythons correct?

[wolfy-hound]

I suggest you read it, it's pretty well clear for once, no government double-talk.
It only refers to the giants and to Nile monitors.
I think it's a good idea.
I'm in florida too, and I think there is nothing wrong with it, but thought it would be good to put the information out. Better to let people know early, than have them get fines.
I don't own giants, nor nile monitors.
I DO have a emergency plan. I have a LOT of pets, and have a plan for packing all of them up efficiently and getting them packed into my truck and safely evacuated.. except the rats. They have me temporarily stymied.
Any suggestions on how to evacuate around 100 live rats, in containers that they can be secure in, that have sufficent ventalation.. that won't take a u-haul to move... would be appriciated.
My currant idea is to use the rubbermaid bins with wire inserts in the lids. They'd be crowded.. but better crowded than starved/dying of thirst. I have a few bins already done, and other than needing to drill holes in the edges for wingnuts to secure the lids, they would serve. Not perfect.. but best I've come up with.
The snakes each have a bag, and each snake's i.d. card goes into a ziploc bag and it gets dropped into the bag with the snake. Several snakes into each bin in their bags. The bins can easily be stacked into my truck. Water dishes get stacked into a box, I already have gallon jugs of water to take for the dogs and cats and everything.
Now I have tegus and the monitor, who will get treated similar to the snakes. Multiple bins stacked together for when we get wherever we are going to stop. It's as ideal a evacuation plan as I've thought up, and I have the materials ready.
To my mind, it's part of having pets. Hurricane season means you think of those pets in addition to yourself.
Wolfy