Captive Wildlife Regulations - Wildlife Rehabilitation
Summary of Additions and/or Changes
Effective Date: August 27, 2009
This rule can be viewed at https://www.flrules.org/Default.asp
by searching the rule
number.
68A-9.006 Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit.
Clarifies that a federal permit from the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service is
required if possessing migratory birds for rehabilitation
purposes.
Clarifies that a wildlife rehabilitation permit is not required
for the care or treatment of
exotic or non-native wildlife. A license or permit authorizing
possession is required for
possession of exotic or non-native wildlife. Exotic or non-native
wildlife cannot be
caged with sick or injured native wildlife.
Exotic or non-native wildlife or domestic animals may be used to
foster orphaned native
wildlife.
All wildlife held for rehabilitation purposes must be released,
transferred, or euthanized
after 180 days, unless a licensed veterinarian has certified that
a longer time period is
necessary in the interest of the health and welfare of the
wildlife. In these instances,
medical records must be kept at the facility and made available
for inspection by Florida
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) personnel.
Wildlife diagnosed as "physically impaired," must be evaluated by
an independent
rehabilitator or veterinatian and FWC staff before it is
considered non-releasable.
Fully recovered American alligators or American crocodiles may not
be released to the
wild. These specimens must be placed with a properly licensed
exhibition, educational,
or breeding facility.
Persons with Disabilities