The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is requesting public input on proposed rule changes regarding the management of green iguanas. The changes focus on outdoor caging, biosecurity, collection, and transport of live green iguanas that are classified as prohibited species.
A series of virtual public meetings will be held on September 4, 5, and 6 to present these proposals and gather feedback. The meetings will discuss possible alternatives for outdoor caging and biosecurity measures for wild-caught green iguanas kept for sale, exhibition, or research. Additional topics include clarifying rules about transporting prohibited reptiles, emergency preparedness, and specific guidelines for the collection and transport of wild-caught green iguanas intended for sale.
“One of the goals of these proposed changes is to provide reasonable, secure alternatives for outdoor caging of green iguanas possessed for sale, exhibition or research,” according to the FWC.
The FWC’s Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program will host three identical virtual meetings at different times to accommodate participants’ schedules. Attendees can join by video or telephone conferencing. Details about how to participate are available at MyFWC.com/Nonnatives under the “We need your feedback” banner.
Feedback collected during these meetings will help staff develop draft rule language to be presented at a future Commission meeting. Additional comments can be submitted through an online form or by emailing NonnativeSpeciesRules@MyFWC.com. Comments received by noon EDT on October 20 will be quantified for consideration at the November Commission meeting; those sent after this deadline will still be reviewed as part of the ongoing rulemaking process.
Green iguanas are considered invasive in Florida. They are among more than 500 nonnative species reported in the state. Most nonnative species have been introduced through the live animal trade, with around 150 now established and reproducing in Florida’s wild environments. Managing invasive species remains a priority for FWC due to their negative effects on native wildlife, costly damage they cause, and potential risks to human health and safety. More information about invasive species in Florida can be found at https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/.
