The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is inviting public input on proposed changes to rules concerning nonnative species, including green iguanas and Argentine black and white tegus. These reptiles are invasive in Florida.
The proposed amendments to Chapter 68-5, F.A.C., involve the removal, marking, and sales of live green iguanas from wild populations. They also address caging requirements for captive juvenile green iguanas and tegus, renewals for Prohibited species pet permits, clarification on importation of Conditional or Prohibited species as pets, and additional options for placement by FWC Law Enforcement.
Starting March 25, 2025, the FWC’s Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program will hold six virtual public meetings in two series to present these changes and gather feedback. Details can be found at MyFWC.com/Nonnatives under the “We need your input” banner.
Series #1 will discuss permit qualifications for sales of wild-caught green iguanas, transfer of sales permits, transfer allowances for captured green iguanas, and batch marking of green iguanas. This series will take place on March 25 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. EDT; March 26 from 6-8 p.m. EDT; and March 29 from 1-3 p.m. EDT.
Series #2 will cover renewals of Prohibited species pet permits, caging requirements for juvenile tegus and green iguanas, placement options by FWC Law Enforcement, and clarification on importation for personal use. Meetings are scheduled for March 27 from 1-3 p.m. EDT; March 27 from 6-8 p.m. EDT; and March 29 from 10 a.m. to noon EDT.
Feedback collected during these meetings will aid in drafting rule language to be reviewed by the Commission later. Public comments can also be submitted via an online form or emailed to NonnativeSpeciesRules@MyFWC.com.
Florida has reported over 500 nonnative species with around eighty percent introduced through the live animal trade. Of these, about 150 have established themselves in the wild. The FWC prioritizes managing invasive species due to their negative impact on native wildlife, costly damage repairs they cause, and potential threats to human health and safety.
For more information on invasive species in Florida visit MyFWC.com/Nonnatives.
