Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Update – New Law Changes Regarding Green Iguanas, Tegus and Other Nonnative Reptiles

Changes have been made to Section 379.372, Florida Statutes that regulates certain high-risk nonnative invasive reptiles in Florida, particularly those listed as Conditional, Prohibited, venomous and Reptiles of Concern. The new laws go into effect July 1, 2020.

The changes in statute:

• Add tegus (all species in the genera Salvator and Tupinambis) and green iguanas (Iguana iguana) to the existing list of regulated species.
• Limit possession, importation and breeding of all nonnative reptile species listed in the statute (including the reptiles currently listed as Conditional) to permitted facilities engaged in educational exhibition, research, eradication or control activities.
• Include grandfathering language for licensed entities that were commercially selling green iguanas or tegus under a valid License to Possess Class III Wildlife for Exhibition or Public Sale (ESC) on January 1, 2020 with a documented inventory of green iguanas or tegus on their 2019 license application.

Per EO 20-19, individuals who had a pet green iguana or tegu prior to July 1, 2020 can apply for a Grandfathered Prohibited Species for Personal Use Permit to lawfully possess that animal for the remainder of its life. The FWC also has the Exotic Pet Amnesty Program for people in possession of animals they can no longer keep. Staff will be working with people in possession of green iguanas, tegus, and other affected species who wish to find those animals a new home. All surrendered animals will be placed with pre-qualified adopters.

Individuals with a current ESC who are authorized for conditional species and currently possess the affected species can continue to sell these species out of state to liquidate their inventory until   90 days after final rules become effective. Male and females must be separated to prevent further breeding. Effective July 1, 2020.

The FWC will be developing rules addressing reporting requirements, biosecurity measures such as caging requirements to prevent escape and any other language to conform rules and statutes. In all rulemaking processes, FWC staff work closely with constituents to provide recommendations to the Commission. To stay informed, stakeholders can monitor Commission Meeting agendas for items related to this topic and subscribe to receive news related to nonnative fish and wildlife by email.

FWC staff will also host online stakeholder workshops to explain the proposed rule changes. Dates for workshops will be posted soon. 

Have comments or questions? Email us at NonnativeSpeciesRules@MyFWC.com.

For more information on these changes and FAQs, please visit our website at https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/2020-rule-change/