It is the owner's responsibility to research laws and make sure that the animal they own is done so LEGALLY.

A simple search on google prior to the move is all that was needed to find the information regarding Florida's herp legislation this would have allowed your cousin to act accordingly based on those information.

There are currently no reptiles listed as reptiles of concern.
Former reptiles of concern are now listed as conditional species. Conditional reptiles are not allowed to be acquired for personal possession. Reptile dealers, researchers and public exhibitors may apply for a permit to import or possess conditional snakes and lizards.
People who owned one of the following species, now listed as conditional species, before July 1, 2010 may keep their animal for the remainder of its life. These pet owners must maintain a valid reptile of concern license for these animals.
Indian or Burmese python (Python molurus)
Reticulated python (Python reticulatus)
Northern African python (Python sebae)
Southern African python (Python natalensis)
Amethystine python (Morelia amethistinus)
Scrub python (Morelia kinghorni)
Green anaconda (Eunectes murinus)
Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus)
Anyone who possesses a former reptile of concern and can no longer keep their animal may relinquish it at a Nonnative Pet Amnesty Day event or to a licensed reptile dealer. A map of licensed reptile dealers is available online.
http://myfwc.com/license/wildlife/ca...es-of-concern/

Obviously since he cannot own the animal legally nor can he keep it properly even if it was legal, the animal needs to be surrendered and here is the next pet amnesty day event November 11th 2011 http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/no...ty-day-events/