They normally sleep during the day and feed at night but are sometimes known to grab a snack or two during the day. They also need plenty of room to run around and exercise to keep any extra weight off. Captive-bred raccoons are another animal that can be kept legally in Florida. Class III wildlife includes just about every other animal that isn't categorized into class I or class II. 2. Each cage shall be equipped with perching areas, climbing apparatus, and chewing items. If youve ever dreamed about owning and loving your very own squirrel, skunk or sloth and you live in Florida, you can make that dream come true with the right knowledge, training, toolsandproperty. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 50 percent of original floor area. When not performing or being exercised, elephants shall either be: 2. (1) Performing Animals. Loud activity and noises, especially during daytime hours, the time they most often sleep, can be incredibly stressful for them. We cannot afford to have that work jeopardized by invasive species," said Chris Farrell, Northeast Florida policy associate for Audubon Florida. A dry resting area equal to the size of the shell of the largest turtle shall be provided. The animal shall be provided space for exercise on a daily basis. Vervet, Grivet or Green monkeys (genus Chlorocebus), 10. (b) Each cage shall have an elevated platform(s) for resting. (f) For elephant rides open to the general public there shall be a ride area and public barrier as defined below: 1. PERMIT required for personal possession, exhibition, sale and import of captive wildlife. (b) The name, business name (if applicable), physical address, and personal or business phone number for the veterinarian used to provide veterinary services for wildlife maintained at the facility. (a) For one or two animals, a cage 24 feet by 10 feet, 8 feet high. They require more care than any average pet but make quite a good pet for those who like rodents and are willing to put in the work! (5) Escape-proof -- all potential escape routes, to include but not limited to windows, vents, gaps, cracks and doors, are secured in a manner to prevent escape. Repealed Sept. 30, 2019. Their teeth actually never stop growing, so they need to frequently chew on things to keep them from becoming too long. 2. (6) Full contact is only allowed by the ride participants during the elephant ride. If you can meet all of these requirements, then you are free to enjoy your pet monkey in Florida! American Black Bear, Florida Today. The new rules would, eliminate commercial breeding and pet ownership of 16 high-risk reptiles; put thehigh-risk reptiles on the state's prohibited species list, and limiting possession to permitted facilities engaged in educational exhibition, research or eradication or control activities. (a) For one or two animals, a cage 10 feet by 12 feet, 6 feet high. For one or two animals, a paddock enclosing 1,250 square feet, 8 feet high. For each additional bird, increase perimeter by 25 percent. (6) The above facility requirements relating to land area, buffer zones, and perimeter fencing, shall be effective January 1, 2008, but shall not apply to those facilities licensed to possess captive wildlife species prior to that date. These include: However, there are a few restrictions on which animals can be kept as pets. Skunks are popular for exotic mammals, and they are said to be one of the "easier" exotic animals to care for. Such records shall include the following: 1. (a) For up to two birds, a cage of 144 square feet, one half of which will be a pool of water, 18 inches deep. Amended June 7, 2010; Dec. 6, 2010. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. 3. European and Canadian lynx (Lynx lynx), 19. 9, Fla. Chimpanzees, orangutans, and gorillas that are not less than six (6) months of age and weigh not more than twenty-five pounds. 9, Fla. Const. 68A-6.009. (3) Class I or II wildlife permit application requirements: An applicant shall make application to the Commission using the provided application available on http://www.myFWC.com or by submitting the online application through http://www.GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Escape from the primary enclosure when the whereabouts of the wildlife is unknown; 2. The permit costs $115 and is valid for one year. (4) Exemption: Reptiles of concern being held for export by any person who possesses such reptile of concern in accordance with sections 379.304 and 379.372, F.S., are exempt from the permanent identification requirement of this section for a period not to exceed 180 days provided such animals or their enclosures are permanently marked so as to be traceable to written records indicating the date such reptiles of concern were acquired. r. 68A-6.002 which classifies animals into classes. 4. In such cases, written documentation by a veterinarian confirming the need for such exemption shall be maintained by the permittee and made available to Commission employees upon request. They'll also eat fruit, some vegetables, rodents, and eggs. Phone: 813-394-1237. 3. Free-handling of non-native venomous reptiles outside of secondary containment is prohibited. Sides shall be constructed of concrete block, or strength equivalent material, with a minimum height of four (4) feet above the floor of the enclosure. Cages that meet the standard caging requirements shall be provided for Class I and Class II carnivores when they reach 25 pounds or six months of age, whichever comes first. While they can make good pets, prairie dogs aren't often recommended for beginners as they are a more unusual pet to have and do require specialized veterinary care from a veterinarian trained in their care requirements. Commercial breeding for sale of iguanas and tegus would sunset June 30, 2024. While owning an exotic animal will require extra learning and researching about how to care for exotic pets, it can be incredibly rewarding. Overall, owning a sloth can be a rewarding experience, but its important to make sure youre prepared for the responsibilities that come with it. Instead, they are more closely related to raccoons and coatimundis. (9) Penguins (e.g., Humboldts, Emperor, King, Jackass, etc. For the purposes of this paragraph, escape shall include any of the following: 1. (1) No person, firm, or corporation shall use elephants for rides without first obtaining written authorization from the Commission. 1. Email: CWApps@myFWC.com. FWC and its federal partners spend more than $8 million a year to manage not just the animals, but the destruction they cause. (b) Medium (e.g., lemurs: ruffed, cata, true, gentle, avahi, aye-aye). "It's just common sense that you can't succeed in bailing out your canoe without first plugging your hole," Bennett said. The federal law has its list of exotic animals, which includes the most common tigers, lions, leopards, bears, wolves, and venomous snakes. (7) Any person who maintains captive wildlife in a manner which results in escape of wildlife as specified in subsection (2) above due to such person maintaining captive wildlife in an unsafe condition or in a manner which results in a threat to public safety commits a violation of paragraph 68A-6.009(1)(f), F.A.C. CreditsAdopted Jan. 1, 2008; Amended Jan. 1, 2008; Amended Aug. 27, 2009. CreditsAdopted Aug. 27, 2009. Compliance with these requirements is a necessary condition for licensure. (b) Any person in possession of venomous reptiles or reptiles of concern shall report any escapes of such wildlife immediately upon discovery. (a) For one or two animals, a cage 8 feet by 6 feet, 6 feet high. If the plan includes tranquilizing equipment, their location must also be included. We've all seen those headlines about people's pet gators escaping, but they aren't the only unexpected wildlife you can keep in the Sunshine State. Osprey, They also have quite a sweet tooth and can easily become malnourished and develop dental disease if not given an appropriate diet. General Regulations Governing Possession of Captive Wildlife; Public Contact; Transfer of Wildlife and Record Keeping Requirements. (a) Small (e.g., bush babies, loris, potto, angwantibo, tarsiers, and mouse, dwarf, forked, marked, and sportive lemurs). (b) For each additional bird, increase original floor area by 25 percent. (b) Primates. (2) For photographic identification the photograph of the specimen must include sufficient distinguishing characteristics (marks, scars, and patterns, etc.) They can also have exceptions or permit requirements when it comes to having an exotic pet. Incidental contact: For the purpose of this section, incidental contact is defined as situations in which an exhibitor or employee handler maintains control, possession and supervision of the animal while permitting the public to come into contact with it. All cages shall have secure locking devices. Arboreal means that they get around by jumping from tree to tree high in the canopy of the rainforest rather than being on the ground. For Class I animals, cages shall be constructed of steel, case hardened aluminum, alloy or strength equivalent material. Any person in possession of wildlife which requires a license or permit issued under Sections 379.3761, 379.3762, or 379.372, F.S., or those facilities exempt from licensure pursuant to Section 379.3761(4), F.S., shall make reasonable efforts to ensure recapture and return of the escaped wildlife to containment. Such retired performing wildlife shall be permanently identified and records maintained and submitted as prescribed in subparagraphs (1)(d)1.-2., above. Exotic Pet Trade - National Humane Education Society IV, Sec. The corporation must provide documentation of experience for at least one person. (2) Conviction/convicted -- any judicial disposition other than acquittal or dismissal. 68A-6.01212. Nine-banded Armadillo, 4. Enclosed by an electric fence, under the supervision of at least one qualified handler in accordance with Rule 68A-6.007, F.A.C., and in an area not accessible to the public. Exceptions to Standard Caging Requirements for Captive Wildlife. The okapi is generally much smaller than the African giraffes you know and love, featuring dark coats and striped legs. About 80% of mammal population has disappeared from Everglades National Park, Ramos said, with invasive snakes and other reptiles among the causes. d. Additional documentation may include records of prior permits for the keeping of captive wildlife, employment records, and any other competent documentation of the requisite experience. The exact content of the package shall include an accurate and legible list by species scientific name, common name and number of each species included in the entire shipment. Many pet stores in Florida even sell these animals. 1. Effective Date: All permanent identification requirements in this rule shall not take effect until January 1, 2010. Each cage shall also include climbing apparatus. (8) Group VIII -- Class III mammals (except spider, woolly, and capuchin monkeys) and Varanidae (except Komodo dragon), giraffe, okapi, tapir, wild cattle, forest, woodland and aridland antelope; and similar species of non-native hoofstock (family Bovidae). If no Class I or II wildlife is currently possessed, then the planned inventory shall be provided, identified by species. CreditsAdopted Sept. 30, 2019. and critical incident. Tech. 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. For performing wildlife possessed by traveling zoos and other traveling acts, wildlife shall be housed in cages or enclosures that meet or exceed the specifications as provided in this Chapter, whenever such wildlife is housed in such travel cages or enclosures for more than 90 days. Scientific Collecting Permit holders need to apply for one 90 days before permit expiration. (c) Records of final disposition for all wildlife must be maintained for one (1) year and provided to the Commission within thirty (30) days after the ninety (90) day lawful disposition period. These exotic pets, which are actually technically domesticatedperhaps more so than a common non-pedigree catare legal in most states depending on their percentage of so-called wild genetics. If the applicant is unable to document such experience, as an alternative, the applicant may take a written examination. "It's all hands on deck when it comes to these invasive species," Bartlett said. (g) Sick or injured wildlife shall be afforded prompt veterinary treatment. (3) Any person whose permit is revoked or non-renewed as provided for in subsection 68-1.010(2), F.A.C., shall be subject to the following provisions: (a) Such person shall have ninety (90) days after the final administrative disposition to lawfully dispose of all captive wildlife previously authorized under the revoked or non-renewed permit. The floors of outdoor enclosures shall be of concrete or masonry block construction at least two (2) inches in thickness. 3. Each cage shall have perching areas and nest box(es) that will accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Authority: Art. BANS take, possession, transport and sale of species of special concern except by permit if not detrimental to survival Currently only Panama City crayfish (last updated 2018). (b) The facility and wildlife previously authorized under the revoked or non-renewed permit may not be sold or otherwise transferred to any entity within Florida of which such person is an owner, officer, director, principal, employee, or agent or in which such person holds any interest. (a) For one or two animals, a cage 20 feet by 10 feet, 6 feet high. (f) The possession of Class I wildlife in the absence of a current and valid performance bond, payable to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in the sum of $10,000, or a financial responsibility guarantee in the sum of $10,000, or a current and valid comprehensive general liability insurance with minimum limits of $2 million per occurrence and $2 million annual aggregate is prohibited. Outdoor enclosures shall meet the minimum standard caging size requirements as specified in this Chapter. For each additional animal, increase the cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. Squirrels also need tons of room to run, roam, climb, and play. In April 2017, the D.C. (b) Cages or enclosures housing captive wildlife shall be sufficiently strong to prevent escape and to protect the caged animal from injury, and shall be equipped with structural safety barriers to prevent any physical contact with the caged animal by the public, except for contacts as authorized under subsection 68A-6.016(1), F.A.C. Repealed. For one or two animals, a cage or enclosure 4 feet by 6 feet, 4 feet high. (f) Any sanctuary possessing Class I wildlife as listed in rule 68A-6.002, F.A.C., must meet the bonding or financial responsibility guarantee requirements of paragraphs 68A-6.005(3)(a)-(f), F.A.C. * Though they are legal in the state of Florida . Bobcats are typically shy and elusive animals, and they play an important role in the ecosystem by helping to control the populations of prey species. Emergency response plan and preparation shall include: 1. This site is not a law firm and cannot offer legal advice. In addition to the requirements for this section, each cage or enclosure shall be provided with an environment or devices that allow for temperature regulation necessary to ensure the well-being of the species. Each cage shall have a shelter(s) or den(s) or nest box(es). Notification shall consist of an itinerary which shall include dates, times, and locations that elephant rides will be conducted. Law Implemented 379.303, 379.304, 379.3762 FS. Cages shall be constructed using metal clamps, ties or braces of equivalent strength as the material required for cage construction for the particular species. (4) Disaster and Critical Incident Plans: Applicants for permits to possess venomous reptiles or reptiles of concern in captivity shall document a course of action to be taken in preparation for disasters or critical incidents. They require a specific omnivorous diet made up of plants, fruits, insects, nectar, sap, and even small birds. (b) Applicants shall not have been convicted of any violation of venomous reptile, reptile of concern, conditional species, prohibited species, or captive wildlife regulations involving unsafe housing of wildlife or that could potentially endanger the public; any violation involving the illegal commercialization of wildlife; any violation involving cruelty to animals; or any violation involving importation of wildlife within three (3) years of the date of application. Title 68. Cages and enclosures shall be ventilated to prevent noxious odors. Egyptian Tortoise. It is important to note, however, that there are a number of regulations and restrictions that come with owning an exotic pet. . For wildlife that is transported in a trailer or compartment of a trailer, a label stating Live Animal must be affixed to the trailer access or loading door and the list containing the number of specimens and common and scientific name of the wildlife must be maintained in the vehicle. They also need a diet that is high in protein and low in sugar, and they should have access to a good quality of water. Gorillas. 1. The outer box or container shall be constructed of material strong enough to prevent escape and shall have small air holes, which shall be screened. In Florida, animals are grouped by class 1, class 2, . The Asian Leopard Cat, though, typically weighs between 8 and 15 pounds and has a distinctively beautiful coat with elongated spots and some stripes. Such course of action shall include the following information: (n) For permittees where the facility is located out of state, the provisions of this subsection shall apply when such permittee is in travel status in Florida with venomous reptiles or reptiles of concern. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. 5. Such protocol shall include: identification of the species by common and scientific name, emergency contact information, type of antivenin required for treatment of bites or exposures from the species housed or maintained, a plan of action to be taken in the event of a bite or exposure, and location of antivenin if stored on premises. A Serval is an African wildcat that is legal in some areas of the US. Wolves, coyotes, jackals (family Canidae), 32. As used herein, the singular includes the plural. For each additional animal, increase the cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. If the applicant is unable to document such experience, as an alternative the applicant may take a written examination. You can see them fly out into the sunset if you aren't too sure about keeping one at a pet. The Captive Wildlife Office does NOT have authority over or issue permits for conditional or prohibited species or imperiled species (see those sections). (11) Open air habitats or moated areas -- areas enclosed by Commission-approved fences, walls, or moats which provide safe keeping of species specified in this chapter. 1. 1. "We are not having our day in court with this.". Such time may be extended with a veterinarian's statement, showing that such size cage is required for the continued health and welfare of the animals until a certain date. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. For each additional animal, increase original floor area and pool size by 25 percent. Walls of cages and enclosures shall be spot cleaned daily. Perches shall be constructed in a manner and of materials that provide for effective cleaning or replacement to insure the health of the birds. Repealed Sept. 30, 2019. Music, radio and podcasts, all free. (Repealed). 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. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court's decision that the U.S. The exhibitor shall indemnify and save harmless the injured party if an injury occurs or other damage results from exhibited reptiles. Escape from the approved facility location; 4. Access to a shelter shall be provided. (g) Wildlife must be transported in a cage or enclosure. Climbing apparatus shall be provided for arboreal species. Kinkajous, whose name translated means "honey bear," are animals that are native to the tropical rainforests of Southern Mexico and Brazil. For each additional bird increase original floor area by 25 percent. 2. Each cage shall have a pool of water, 3 feet by 2 feet, 2 feet deep. So, the point of this article is to list the top exotic animals that are legal to own in each state. (b) Persons possessing Class I wildlife for personal use shall comply with all provisions of this chapter relating to the personal use of wildlife. Outdoor facilities -- Bounded by a fence at least five feet in height of not less than 11 1/2 gauge chain link or equivalent. Class I and II primates until they reach the age of twelve (12) months, provided written documentation is available to verify the age of the animal, the animal is marked or otherwise identifiable, and the animal is provided space for exercise on a daily basis. Additionally, the alligator must have a pool of water that is at least 2 feet deep and 6 feet wide. Possession of Class I, II, or III Wildlife in Captivity: Permit Requirements. They may also be prone to obesity, so it is important to stick to a healthy diet and to provide plenty of exercise. (d) The exhibition of venomous reptiles in the absence of a current and valid performance bond, payable to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in the sum of $10,000 is prohibited. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Evidence of their existence can be dated as far back as 15 to 35 million years ago! Any person who possesses any live venomous reptile or reptile of concern shall have a permit issued in accordance with Section 379.372, and if applicable, Section 379.3761, F.S., and comply with Section 379.304, F.S., and the provisions of this rule, Rules 68A-6.017 and 6.0171, F.A.C. Pets Banned in Every State | Stacker Indoor facilities with natural light sources such as windows and skylights shall be provided. Standard Caging Requirements for Elephants. These playful and beautiful animals are legal, again, with a Class 3 permit. (b) Records of acquisition, which shall include the following: 2. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. For each additional animal, increase the pool size by 25 percent of original floor area. (a) Small aquatic rodents (e.g., Florida water rat, muskrat). (a) Outdoor facilities -- Cage construction materials shall consist of not less than 14-gauge wire or strength equivalent material. After reviewing the findings of the investigation, the Commission shall render a determination concerning the continuation or termination of such ride authorization or the authorization of any qualified handler or assistant to operate the elephant ride. There is generally no law that allows the ownership of any ape as a pet; however, a state permit is required if the ape is intended for breeding, sale, or exhibition, as well as a federal permit if the ape is intended for keeping as a pet. 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. They say evidence shows that thereptiles wreakecological havocby swallowing native birds, and in the Burmese python's case, mammals as large as deer. (a) For up to five birds, a cage having 144 square feet of floor, 6 feet high, with the perch elevated 4 feet above the floor. 9, Fla. 3. (a) For each bird, an enclosure 2 wingspreads by 3 wingspreads. (2) Foxes (e.g., red, grey, Arctic, bat eared, bush dogs). Such information shall be submitted to the Commission at the time of initial or renewal application. Unfortunately, though they can legally be kept in Florida, they never seem to thrive in a domesticated or captive setting. Jim Waymer is environment reporter atFLORIDA TODAY. Primary enclosures shall be housed within appropriate secondary containment which meets the requirements of this rule. Enclosure sizes for all snakes or lizards shall be based on the total length of the longest specimen in the enclosure. 68A-6.0041. Such course of action shall be made available for inspection upon request of Commission personnel and the director of the local emergency management agency for the county where the facility is located. IV, Sec. (10) Ratites (e.g., ostrich, rhea, emu, cassowary). Law Implemented Art. They are particularly described as follows: (a) Shelter -- A structure which shall provide protection from the elements and from extremes in temperature that are detrimental to the health and welfare of the animal. (19) Shelter, nest box or den -- a structure that protects captive wildlife from the elements (weather conditions). (b) Each cage shall have an elevated platform(s) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. change, Nov. 13, 2019. Each cage shall be provided with a den(s) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. 9, Fla. Const. For one or two animals, a cage 3 feet by 3 feet, 4 feet high. A minimum of 1000 hours of free contact experience with the specific animal that he or she will be handling. 1. 68A-6.01213. Each cage shall also have climbing apparatus. For one or two animals, a cage or enclosure 2 feet by 2 feet, 4 feet high. Applicants shall have a written emergency response plan to ensure public safety. (c) Records of sale or transfer, which shall include the following: 2. 8. The following methods of payment will satisfy the financial responsibility requirement: (a) A valid performance bond payable to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in the sum of $10,000, in compliance with and as noted in paragraph 68A-6.005(2)(a), F.A.C., above.