Snakes and Lizards
The following species are now listed as conditional snakes and
lizards:
- Indian or
Burmese python (Python molurus)
- Reticulated python (Python
reticulatus)
- Northern African python (Python sebae)
- Southern African python (Python natalensis)
- Amethystine python (Morelia amethistinus)
- Scrub python (Morelia kinghorni)
- Green anaconda (Eunectes murinus)
- Nile
monitor (Varanus niloticus)
Regulations for Conditional Snakes and
Lizards
Conditional reptiles are not allowed to be acquired for personal
possession. Reptile dealers, researchers and public
exhibitors may apply for a permit to import or possess conditional
snakes and lizards. Individuals that possessed of any of
these reptile species as personal pets and that were properly
licensed before July 1, 2010 may keep their animal and must
maintain a valid reptile of concern license for the remainder of
the animal's life.
Conditional snakes and lizards must be kept indoors or in
outdoor enclosures with a fixed roof and must be permanently
identified with a microchip when the animal reaches one inch in
diameter, unless the animal is to be exported out of the state
within 180 days. Conditional snakes and lizards must be
double-bagged and placed into a secure container for
transport. Owners of conditional snakes and lizards must
submit a Captive Wildlife Critical Incident/Disaster Plan and must
maintain records or their inventory.
The full rule language pertaining to conditional snakes and
lizards can be obtained online at (website).
Amnesty for Conditional Snakes and Lizards
Anyone who possesses a conditional snake or lizard but cannot
keep it can surrender the animal to a licensed recipient at any
time with no penalties. Owners of conditional snakes and
lizards can locate
licensed recipients online. Conditional snakes and
lizards can also be surrendered at Nonnative Pet Amnesty Day
events.
Python Permit Program
The Python Permit Program is a permit
program that allows Floridians to capture Burmese pythons and other
conditional snakes and lizards on four state-managed lands.
For Hunters
Licensed hunters can remove pythons and other conditional snakes
and lizards from Everglades and Francis S. Taylor WMA, Rotenberger
WMA and Holey Land WMA during established hunting seasons on these
areas. To participate in removing pythons during established
hunting seasons, a hunting license and wildlife management area
permit are required by state rule and statute.
Turtles
As of August, 2010, red-eared sliders may be acquired for
personal possession with a permit. Qualified applicants must
have an outdoor facility that has a permanent containment barrier
secured at least six inches below ground level to prevent escape by
digging, erosion, climbing or by passing through gaps. Such
barriers may be constructed of solid metal or weather-resistant and
rot-resistant material, and may not use mesh material. All
eggs must be removed and destroyed daily from outdoor facilities
housing red-eared sliders.
Persons with Disabilities