(d) In lieu of the $10,000 financial responsibility guarantee any person possessing Class I wildlife may maintain comprehensive general liability insurance with minimum limits of $2 million per occurrence and $2 million annual aggregate as shall protect the possessor of Class I wildlife from claims for damage for personal injury, including accidental death, as well as claims for property damage which may arise. Cages of Class I and Class II animals that the public can access, shall be equipped with a physical barrier, which is made of a material to prevent the public from coming in contact with the animals. For each additional animal, increase paddock and pool surface area by 25 percent of original area. (e) Wildlife held in the same enclosures shall be kept in compatible groups. Remember that any animal you bring under your care, whether a dog or a bat, is a big commitment. For each additional animal, increase the pool size by 25 percent of original floor area. Pet industry interests opposed the rule as too harsh on their businesses. Wet or dry moats may be substituted for the required fencing provided prior Commission written approval has been obtained. Climbing apparatus shall be provided for arboreal species. Cape buffalos and Gaur (family Bovidae), 18. The performance bond shall be for the duration of not less than the duration of the licensing period. Injurious species under the U.S. 68A-6.0025. (b) Each enclosure shall have a pool of water, 60 square feet, 3 feet deep, equipped with a ramp or steps. Any safety/security film used shall be installed pursuant to the manufacturers detailed specifications. For each additional animal, increase paddock by 25 percent of the original footage. change, Nov. 13, 2019. Attacks on humans are rare but can be deadly due to the alligator's powerful bite and size. 68A-6.01215. Emotions sometimes boiledover asmore than 170 people called in to comment, many asking to stop the ban or at least reconsider it. (a) For up to five, a cage of 144 square feet, with a wading pool of water covering 14 square feet. change, Sept. 20, 2021. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. For one or two lizards, a cage or enclosure 6 feet by 3 feet, 4 feet high. 2. (d) The complete facility address where the wildlife is located to include city, state, and zip code. The state agency estimates 180 of 593 introduced invasive species in Florida are reptiles, 92% of them introduced by the live trade of animals. Tech. Southern Black Widow Spider: Venomous spider with a painful and potentially dangerous bite, though fatalities are very rare. (a) For one or two animals, a cage 4 feet by 6 feet, 8 feet high. (3) Badgers, weasels and polecats, skunks, fishers, ferrets, otters, wolverines, minks, martins, civets, genets, mongoose, and binturong.In addition to the requirements for this section, each cage or enclosure shall have an accessible device to provide physical stimulation or manipulation compatible with the species. (b) Arboreal (e.g., martins, fishers, genets, small or medium civets.). (2) Any person licensed in accordance with section 379.3761, F.S., who possesses performing wildlife that due to its age or physical condition may no longer perform, may retain such retired performing wildlife for the purposes of providing lifetime care for said wildlife. References shall be from persons licensed by the Commission for venomous reptiles of the same family for which the applicant is seeking authorization or a representative of a professional organization or governmental institution which deals directly with venomous reptiles as a part of their organization or institution. Which Exotic Pets Are Legal in the United States? - PetHelpful In Florida, it is legal to own a sloth as a pet. 3. They live much longer and happier lives in the wild. For each additional performing animal, increase paddock size by 50 percent of the original area. To speak with a veterinarian in person, please visit our office located in Bradenton, Florida. (d) Cuscuses and brushtail possums (Phalangeridae). The enclosure shall have concrete or masonry walls, at least eight inches in thickness, or strength equivalent. Such corporation must have qualified personnel responsible for the care of such venomous reptiles. and critical incident. Wildlife may be temporarily housed in cages or enclosures smaller than the sizes set forth in this Chapter only under the following circumstances: (1) For transport and for performing and non-performing animals as specified in rule 68A-6.014 and 68A-6.015, F.A.C. (a) For snakes implantation shall be in specimens with a one (1) inch or greater diameter. 1. Exotic Animal Movement Requirements - Florida Department of Agriculture There are a few things you need to keep in mind, however. (Repealed). PERMIT (Conditional/Prohibited/Nonnative Species permit) required to transport into the state, introduce, or possess any listed non-native freshwater fish, aquatic invertebrate, marine plant or animal, or wild animal for any purpose that might result in liberation. Animals from the wild (including injured, orphaned, or abandoned native animals) are NEVER eligible to be kept as personal pets in Florida. (II) Cage floors shall have an area of sufficient depth that provides for digging. These little guys can easily become obese due to inadequate diets and overeating. Location of area(s) where captive wildlife is kept. Repealed. To give you an idea about your options and to learn what exotic pets are legal in Florida, keep reading! Many people call kinkajous little thieves since they'll take something, often obsess over it, and refuse to give it back. Exotic Animal Breeders in Florida Fun fact, bats are the only mammal capable of flight. A summary of exotic pet laws and discussion on which states prohibit the private possession of specific exotic animal species, including monkeys, tigers, raccoons, birds, wolves, and others. 13, 1988, Dec. 19, 1989, July 1, 1990, Apr. For purposes of demonstrating compliance, applicants shall submit documentation of such experience, including: a. (6) Free-handling -- the act of physical contact with venomous reptiles without the use of hooks, tongs, tools, specialized gloves, or other standard handling equipment. 68A-6.005. Our exotic animals farm since opening has been home to a variety of exotic animals including Fennec foxes, Falcons, Marmoset monkeys, Squirrel monkeys, Savannah kittens and many more. The size of the room(s) equals or exceeds that required for cages and enclosures in this chapter. 68A-6.0173. Record Keeping and Reporting Requirements for Venomous Reptiles and Reptiles of Concern. For up to 2 birds, a cage 8 inches by 8 inches, 8 inches high. In fact, when raised among humans, they can actually be quite affectionate and cuddly! If you're not ready for that kind of responsibility, you can get up close and personal with sloths and rhinos at this Florida park. Documented educational experience in zoology or other relevant biological sciences, obtained at the college or technical school level or above, may substitute for up to six months or 500 hours of the required experience. (e) The performance bond or financial responsibility guarantee in the sum of $10,000, or any portion thereof, will be forfeited to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission if: 1. For each additional animal, increase the cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. 3. The notification in writing may be delivered by fax at (850)414-8212, or by mail or hand delivery to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Law Enforcement, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600. For a single animal, a cage which shall permit the animal to turn and stand erect with head clearance, confined in such a manner so that no animal can injure another. Each cage shall have perching area(s) and shelter(s) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Repealed, 68A-6.0024. Skunks are popular for exotic mammals, and they are said to be one of the "easier" exotic animals to care for. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida plans ban on owning pythons and other risky reptiles, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. a. For the purposes of this paragraph, escape shall mean escape from the primary enclosure or escape from transport enclosure, leash, other constraint, or rigid supervision and control while outside of the primary enclosure. In Florida, there are a number of exotic animals that are legal to own as pets. When not performing or being exercised, elephants shall either be: 2. So, before you decide to add an exotic pet to your family, be sure to check with your local authorities to make sure it is legal to do so in your area. Eastern Cottontail, For example, it is illegal to keep a wild animal in a confined space, such as in a home or a backyard. The existence of any such lease restrictions or termination of the lease shall result in the denial or revocation of the license or permit. They can grow to be up to two feet long, so you'll need ample space for them to live in your home. CreditsAdopted Jan. 1, 2008; Amended Jan. 1, 2008; Amended Aug. 27, 2009. (3) Qualifications for elephant ride authorization. Listen online or download the iHeart App. They say evidence shows that thereptiles wreakecological havocby swallowing native birds, and in the Burmese python's case, mammals as large as deer. (Repealed). A copy of the valid and current lease agreement shall be submitted with the application in the event that the facility location is under lease to the applicant. IV, Sec. * Though they are legal in the state of Florida . For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. They require a specific omnivorous diet made up of plants, fruits, insects, nectar, sap, and even small birds. (a) For each bird, an enclosure 2 wingspreads by 3 wingspreads. Commercialization of Wildlife; Bonding or Financial Responsibility Guarantee. Any water containers used shall be clean. Examinations shall be completed without the use of any reference materials or other resources during the examination. BANS the following activities involving lionfish: PERMIT (Conditional/Prohibited/Nonnative Species permit) required for lionfish.REQUIREMENTS: Elephant rides require written permission.REQUIREMENTS: (Florida Admin Code 68A-6.007 - Added 5/11/20). PERMIT required for import or transport of Leopard, African spurred and Bells hingeback tortoise with certificate of veterinary inspection at least 10 days prior, containers disinfected before import and either incinerated within 24 hours or exported within 72 hours.