The bottom apron must be buried to prevent injury to the captive wildlife in the enclosure. (c) Elephants. Applicants for Class I or Class II wildlife shall provide the following information upon initial application, using the provided form available on http://www.myFWC.com or online through http://GoOutdoorsFlorida.com: (a) Parcel number for the property or properties on which the facility is maintained. American Alligator, Fun fact, bats are the only mammal capable of flight. Many people describe them as well-mannered enough to live in the home. 9. The reporting period shall span the six months preceding the reporting date. (b) The current permittee has been arrested, charged, indicted, or has appealed the conviction of a crime which is a violation of any provision of Chapter 379 or 828, F.S., or rules of the Commission, or other similar laws or rules in this or any jurisdiction that relate to the subject matter of the license, permit or authorization, until such time as final criminal disposition is rendered. For each additional animal, increase paddock by 25 percent of the original footage. The exercise intervals shall be of such frequency, intensity and duration as to provide for the health and welfare of the animal over an extended period. 1. (j) Applicants for permits to possess Class III wildlife for personal use shall provide the planned inventory, identified by species and quantity, and the name, address, and license number (if the sale or transfer takes place in Florida) of the source of their wildlife. For additional animals, the combined area covered by all their bodies shall not exceed 50 percent of enclosure area. Every state has its own laws regulating the ownership specific wildlife. (Repealed). For photographic identification the photograph of the specimen must include sufficient distinguishing characteristics (marks, scars, and patterns, etc.) For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. 9. For each additional bird, increase perimeter by 25 percent. 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. 68A-6.0011. They'll also eat fruit, some vegetables, rodents, and eggs. (f) Any person authorized pursuant to Section 379.3761, F.S., to exhibit or sell Class I wildlife shall obtain and maintain a current and valid USDA license, where applicable, pursuant to the Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Regulations of Title 9 CFR (effective Janurary 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference at http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-11137). A dry resting area equal to the size of the shell of the largest turtle shall be provided. For up to two birds, a cage 3 feet by 2 feet, 3 feet high. (b) Applicants for permits to possess capuchin, spider, or woolly monkeys shall meet the age, experience and examination requirements for authorization to possess Class II wildlife in subsection 68A-6.004(2), F.A.C. (b) Indoor facilities -- Rooms may serve as enclosures provided that: 1. 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. (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. Types of squirrels allowed include red squirrels, flying squirrels, chipmunks, and Prevost squirrels. Fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrina), 24. 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. "Far too many of us can't get through," Cantos said. 9, Fla. Const. CreditsAdopted Aug. 1, 1979; Amended Dec. 3, 1979, June 4, 1981, June 21, 1982; Transferred from 39-6.02; Amended June 1, 1986, July 1, 1990, July 1, 1992, Sept. 15, 1996; Transferred from 39-6.002; Amended Aug. 27, 2009. For two or more animals kept together, add one-third more cage length for each additional animal. change, Feb. 19, 2019. Although 50 species of snakes are found in Florida, only the 6 listed here are venomous and a danger to humans. While the likelihood of being killed by an animal in Florida is relatively low, the most dangerous animals in the state are typically those that can cause harm to humans through bites, stings, or attacks. Safety entrances shall be constructed of materials that are of equivalent strength as that prescribed for secondary containment and subject to Commission approval. For each additional specimen, increase perimeter by 10 percent. (b) Water: Clean drinking water shall be provided daily. Bearded Dragon. Performing wildlife shall not be kept in cages or enclosures below the size required by the standard caging requirements for more than a total of 90 days out of each 120 day period. (i) Wildlife shall be watered twice daily and fed daily. In 1963, one breeder decided to cross domestic cats with the Asian Leopard Cat to make the Bengal! To obtain such approval, the permittee shall provide written schedules to the Commission of wildlife exercise intervals and scheduled performances. For one animal in a non-performing static facility, a paddock enclosing 1,500 square feet, 6 feet high, with access to a shelter. Such corporation must have qualified personnel responsible for the care of such venomous reptiles. For the purposes of this section a wildlife sanctuary for captive wildlife is defined as a facility established for the sole purpose of providing lifetime care for unwanted or infirmed captive wildlife. (c) Full or incidental contact between the public and such captive wildlife as defined in rule 68A-6.016, F.A.C., is prohibited. Current licensees that desire to expand their inventory to include a family of Class I or Class II species not previously authorized at their facility location shall comply with the requirements herein. For each additional specimen increase perimeter by 10 percent. For the purposes of this paragraph, escape shall include any of the following: 1. Macaques and Celebes black apes (genus Macaca), 13. Standard Caging Requirements for Procyonids, Red Pandas, and Mustelids. If bars are used, bars shall be spaced no more than 2 inches apart. Most of the speakers who called in Thursday were pet industry and reptile rescue representatives opposingthe ban, and several conservation groups commented in supportof the ban. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. If no Class I or II wildlife is currently possessed, then the planned inventory shall be provided, identified by species. Cages or enclosures using the ground as flooring must meet the following requirements: 1. Orangutan. Commercialization of Wildlife; Bonding or Financial Responsibility Guarantee. "The fact that I'm calling speaks to the gravity of this issue," Stone told commissioners. b. 68A-6.0071. In addition to requirements of this section, each cage or enclosure shall be equipped with a shelter(s)/nest box(es) large enough to accommodate all the animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Such shelter shall be attached to or adjacent to the paddock, habitat, or enclosure. (d) Elephant is restrained for security or breeding purposes. For venomous reptile species and reptiles of concern not native to Florida, all outdoor enclosures shall be topped with close-meshed wire or an equivalent barrier to provide additional security, equipped with a safety entrance and shall be inspected and approved by the Commission prior to use. For one or two animals, a paddock enclosing 1,250 square feet, 6 feet high. Copyright 2022, IsaLegal - All Rights Reserved. Outdoor facilities -- Bounded by a fence at least five feet in height of not less than 11 1/2 gauge chain link or equivalent. Osprey, (a) For up to two animals, a cage 6 feet by 4 feet, 3 feet high. They also require a fairly particular diet in which their seeds, fruits, nuts, and vegetables all need to be fresh and organic. The Egyptian Tortoise is a rare type of tortoise. Each cage shall have a 8 foot by 4 foot pool of water, 2.5 feet deep. (a) Small to Medium (e.g., green-winged teal, mallard and similar sizes ducks, geese). For island exhibits, wet moats shall be used that are no less than 24 feet wide, with 50 percent of the water having a depth twice the height of the tallest animal. Subtitle 68A. c. The corners of enclosure shall be designed or guarded to prevent the escape of reptiles by climbing. The successful completion of a written examination for the particular species or family, administered by the Division of Law Enforcement, together with the documentation of not less than 500 hours of substantial practical experience in the care, feeding, handling and husbandry of the species or family for which the permit is sought may be substituted for the one year/1,000-hour requirement. . Water shall be available in the show cages at all times. (i) The applicant's acknowledgement that the information provided in the application is true, accurate, and complete. (6) Except as otherwise provided, applicants for permits to possess wildlife in captivity shall specify the location of the facility at which the wildlife shall be kept or possessed. Kinkajous. (7) American (New World) opossums/possums and honey possum. For Class I animals, cages shall be constructed of steel, case hardened aluminum, alloy or strength equivalent material. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. The dates the experience was obtained and the specific location(s) where acquired. Repealed Sept. 30, 2019. Additionally, the animal must be kept in an enclosed area that is at least 500 square feet. The term shall include all lesser acts related thereto, such as attempting to sell, offering to sell, to barter, exchange, trade, or auction. Most animal lovers have dreams of owning a unique and exotic animal. 1. 4. When vegetation or landscaping is available to serve as protection from the elements, access to a shelter shall also be provided during inclement weather conditions. Each cage shall also have climbing apparatus. (b) Persons possessing any live venomous reptile or reptile of concern in accordance with Section 379.372, F.S., for personal use shall submit a report including quantity of births, deaths, in-state acquisitions, out-of-state acquisitions, in-state sales or transfers, and out-of-state sales or transfers of both native and non-native venomous reptiles, per biological family, and reptiles of concern, per species. Requirement to report injury or escapes by exhibition or sale permit, personal possession permit, and exempt under 3761(4): Immediately report to Division of Law Enforcement any injury to 1) a person beyond basic first aid (exempts licensee, Corporate Authorized Individual, individual with required experience documentation on file for Class I-III, capuchin, spider, or woolly monkeys) or venomous reptiles or reptiles of concern OR 2) seriously bodily injury to those exempt in #1, Must make reasonable effort to recapture and return escaped wildlife, Class I and II and capuchin, spider and wooly monkeys - immediately after escape from primary or transport or other confinement or rigid supervision and control while outside of the primary enclosure, Venomous reptiles/ROC immediately after escape from primary containment when whereabouts unknown or escape from secondary, Class III (except monkeys above) 12 hours after: escape from 1) primary enclosure when whereabouts unknown, 2) primary with whereabouts known but not captured by reporting period, 3) approved facility location, 4) transport enclosure, leash, other constraint, or rigid supervision and control while outside the approved facility location, Class I and venomous reptiles requires keeping list of name and address of contiguous landowners or residents of property in Part B of the Captive Wildlife Critical Incident/Disaster Plan, Injury to a person in first bullet above OR escape above from maintaining wildlife in unsafe conditions OR manner which threatens public safety is violation of 68A-6.009. Each cage shall also include climbing apparatus. Full contact: For the purpose of this section, full contact is defined as situations in which an exhibitor or employee handler maintains proximate control and supervision, while temporarily surrendering physical possession or custody of the animal to another. Instead, it is best to contact a professional. Repealed Sept. 30, 2019. (a) General: All Class I, II or III wildlife that will be used for contact with the public shall have been evaluated by the exhibitor to insure compatibility with the uses intended. In Florida, the laws regarding exotic and wild animals as pets is specified in FLA. ADMIN. 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. (h) A list of equipment utilized to temporarily house and transport wildlife (including transport cages and vehicles) and location where equipment is stored. For more detailed information: Captive Wildlife Permits. For up to two birds, a cage of 100 square feet, one half of which shall be a pool of water, three feet deep with flowing water, 55-degree Fahrenheit or less. There are also no known occurrences of fatalities from zoonotic disease or serious illness in the United States from pet monkeys in recent history. Before you pick out a name for your new giraffe roomie, remember that just because you can legally have any of the adorable animals below, doesn't mean you they would be a good addition to the family. (b) Each cage shall have an elevated platform(s) for resting. 68A-6.008. Amended Aug. 26, 2010; Dec. 31, 2016; Jan. 1, 2019; Sept. 30, 2019; May 11, 2020. (1) Because the possession of wildlife in accordance with Section 379.3761, F.S., is commercial in nature any person permitted to possess wildlife per Section 379.3761, F.S., except hobbyist possessors of Class III wildlife, shall demonstrate consistent and sustained commercial activity in the form of exhibition or sale of such authorized wildlife. Do you know which animals you can keep as pets in Florida? (a) Small (e.g., 3 striped marsupial mouse). American alligators are large reptiles that can be found in various freshwater habitats throughout Florida, including swamps, marshes, rivers, and lakes. b. 5. Nine-banded Armadillo, For one or two animals, a cage 4 feet by 5 feet, 5 feet high. (a) For one animal, a cage 24 feet by 32 feet, 10 feet high. (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. After December 31, 2016, those licensees that desire to expand their inventory to include a family of venomous reptile species not previously authorized at their facility location shall comply with the amended requirements of subsection (1) of this rule. Each cage shall have gnawing items, perching areas and climbing apparatus. 2. CreditsAdopted Sept. 30, 2019.Authority: Art. (b) In lieu of a surety bond, a person may submit a cash bond to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to satisfy the performance bond requirement. You can see them fly out into the sunset if you aren't too sure about keeping one at a pet. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. 1. 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. If bars are used, bars shall be spaced no more than 2 inches apart. For one animal, a paddock enclosing 1,500 square feet, 5 feet high, with a pool of water, 120 square feet, 5 feet deep, equipped with a ramp or steps. (d) Class III Animals. to enable that particular specimen to be distinguished from other specimens of the same species. Possession of Class I, II, or III Wildlife in Captivity: Permit Requirements. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area. a. (d) Large arboreal monkeys (e.g., howlers, spiders, woolly, woolly spider). (1) Only a corporation that is licensed in accordance with Section 379.3761, F.S., and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and described in sections 501 (c)(3) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) of such code, may operate a wildlife sanctuary for captive wildlife. Captive wildlife permits apply only to mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. (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. For up to two specimens, a cage or enclosure with a perimeter equal to 1.25 times the length of the longest specimen. The reporting period shall span the six months preceding the reporting date. CreditsAdopted Jan. 1, 2008; Amended Jan. 8, 2008. For one or two animals, a cage or enclosure 2 feet by 2 feet, 2 feet high. For each additional animal, increase the cage length by 50 percent. (c) Records of identification including PIT tag number where applicable, along with information about the specimen being identified (species, specimen name or number, gender, and age) must be maintained in the possessors records for as long as the specimen is possessed. In this instance, information as specified in paragraphs (c)-(m) above must accompany the venomous reptile or reptile of concern while in travel status in Florida and shall describe the course of action to be taken in the event of a critical incident or natural disaster in Florida. It shall be unlawful for any person whether licensed or not to keep, possess, or exhibit any venomous reptile or reptile of concern in any manner not approved as safe, secure and proper by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (b) Records of sale or transfer are not required for wildlife that may be possessed for personal use without a permit as specified in paragraphs 68A-6.003(11)(a)-(v), F.A.C., unless such record keeping requirements are otherwise regulated by other rules of the Commission. Call us today at 941-355-7707 or contact us online. (8) Cages or enclosures for mobility-impaired animals shall meet standard caging requirements, unless it can be demonstrated that such cage or enclosure, or its required accessories, are detrimental to the health or welfare of the animal. Prairie dogs are also highly social animals and should never be left alone without a companion. 68A-6.005. In hibernation, their metabolism slows down, and body temperature decreases. 68A-6.0023. Ifyou already own an exotic pet, cat or dog and suspect a health issue, schedule an appointment at University Animal Clinic right away.