What Animals Are Not Allowed in Florida?

Florida has strict laws designed to prevent people from owning animals that can't thrive in captivity. Because of its tropical climate and close proximity to Mexico, Costa Rica and Cuba, it is also a hub for illegal animal trafficking and the exotic pet trade. In order to combat this trade and encourage owners to surrender animals for which they are not equipped to care, Florida has an annual pet amnesty day. Owners of exotic animals can turn in animals on amnesty day without facing criminal charges.

  1. Monkeys and Apes

    • Most primates are classified as "Class I" animals in Florida. These animals cannot be owned by individuals for personal use. Class I primates include chimpanzees, gorillas, drills, baboons, bonobos, orangutans, siamangs and gibbons.

      A few primates are "Class II" animals, which people can keep only if they have a permit. These include howler monkeys, guereza monkeys and celebes black apes.

    Big Cats

    • Most big cats can't be kept by hobbyists in Florida. Cats classified as Class I animals include leopards, tigers, lions and jaguars. Class II cats include bobcats, cougars panthers and cheetahs.

    Reptiles

    • Many reptiles are restricted or banned in Florida. All crocodiles except for dwarf and congo crocodiles are Class I animals. Dwarf and congo crocodiles are Class II animals that require a permit. Komodo dragons and caimans are also banned. Florida also bans or restricts ownership of venomous reptiles. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, all venomous reptiles are in some way restricted, even those not listed specifically by the Commission.

    Other Wild Animals

    • Florida places restrictions on the ownership, transportation and sale of many wild animals. Elephants, rhinoceroses, bears and cape buffalo are Class I animals. Native badgers, coyotes, wolves, hyenas and ostriches are Class II animals.

    Class III Animals

    • Class III animals are animals that require a less restrictive permit than Class II animals. These species are not specifically listed by the State of Florida. Instead, any animal not explicitly listed by the state as unrestricted is a Class III animal. People who wish to own a Class III animal must fill out an application and, in some cases, take a written test to demonstrate that they will be competent owners.