Florida's non-native reptile pet rules go into effect April 29, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is hosting a series of
Florida’s non-native reptile pet rules go into effect April 29, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is hosting a series of Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag (also known as a microchip) days to help reptile keepers who keep green iguanas, tegus, and other species that were declared prohibited in February 2021, can to get into compliance with the new regulations. Those events are as follow:
- May 22 at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, 1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach
- June 5 at Brevard Zoo, 8225 N Wickham Road, Melbourne
- June 12 at University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, 015 SW 16th Ave., Gainesville
- June 19 at Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park, 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa
- June 26 at South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach
Reptile keepers have 90 days from April 29 to apply for a permit to keep these reptiles, and to get a microchip implanted into their pets. The state is offering the microchip implant free of charge. You can bring up to five green iguanas or tegus to these events. They must be in secure carrier and wearing a leash or harness to prevent escape.
Reptile Species Banned In Florida
- Burmese python (Python bivittatus)
- Reticulated python (Python reticulatus)
- Scrub python (Morelia amethistina)
- Northern African python (Python sebae)
- Southern African Python (Python natalensis)
- Amethystine python (Morelia amethistina)
- Green anaconda (Eunectes murinus)
- Nile monitor lizard (Varanus niloticus)
- Tegus (all species) (Salvator sp.)
- Green iguana (Iguana iguana)
The permit to keep these reptiles is also free. More information on how to avail of the free permit can be read on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website. Here is the link.
