FAQs: New rules and proposal for Burmese pythons and other constrictors What is the major change in Florida regarding Burmese pythons and other constrictor reptiles and lizards known as reptiles of concern?

Under the new regulations, Burmese pythons, reticulated pythons, green anacondas and Nile monitor lizards will be listed as conditional species. In addition, African rock pythons have been split into the northern African python and the southern African python. Amethystine pythons have been split into scrub and amethystine categories.

What is a conditional species?

Conditional nonnative species are considered to be dangerous to the ecology and/or the health and welfare of the people of Florida. These species may not be possessed for personal use, but may be possessed or imported for commercial use, public exhibition or research. For the list of conditional species, go to MyFWC.com/Rules and click on "Conditional and Prohibited Species."

Who will be allowed to possess conditional snakes and lizards?

Dealers, breeders, importers and other commercial interests can continue to possess these particular species under strict bio-security conditions. Also, public exhibitors and researchers may apply for a permit to possess these species. Personal possession of conditional species is not allowed.

Commercial dealers and public exhibitors must meet the following standards to demonstrate commercial activity to qualify for a conditional species permit:

Conduct a regular media advertising campaign, or maintain an Internet website;
Display signs, billboards or flyers advertising commercial wildlife services or operations;
Maintain regular business hours, during which the premises is open for commercial activity;
Conduct written business on printed letterhead, indicating the name of the company or business;
Document exhibition of wildlife to the public, with or without a charge;
Sale of wildlife, including any lesser acts thereof as defined in Rule 68A-1.004, F.A.C. (attempting to sell, offering to sell, to barter, exchange or trade).
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How do the new rules affect current owners of reptiles of concern?

People who currently have a reptile of concern and are properly licensed by the FWC will be allowed to keep their pets for the life of the reptile. Those keeping their reptiles must renew their reptile of concern license annually.

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How can someone surrender their pet conditional snake or lizard?

Amnesty regulations allow pet owners to donate their snake or lizard to a properly permitted dealer or exhibitor at any time, even if the pet owner does not have the proper license. Facilities permitted to accept conditional snakes and lizards are listed at MyFWC.com/Nonnative, or e-mail jenny.tinnell@myfwc.com. The FWC holds several Nonnative Pet Amnesty Days around the state each year. Check the website for upcoming Amnesty Day events.

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Can a current reptile of concern owner accept conditional snakes and lizards under the amnesty regulations?

No. Only facilities with conditional species permits may accept these species under the amnesty regulations.

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How do the new rules fit with the recent bill passed by the Florida Legislature?

The bill and the FWC regulations both prevent future personal possession of any reptile designated as a conditional or prohibited species, while allowing dealers and breeders to keep these species as long as they are exported out of Florida. The legislation requires anyone selling any conditional or prohibited species (as well as Class I and II wildlife and venomous reptiles) to have a permit from the FWC, even if the seller does not live in Florida. http://myfwc.com/NEWSROOM/Resources/...peciesFAQs.htm