Florida is home to a large variety of exotic wildlife because of its various habitats and subtropical temperature. Even though a lot of these animals are intriguing and captivating, it’s crucial to comprehend the state’s laws and rules regarding exotic pet ownership.
This post will provide you a thorough rundown of what’s acceptable and important information to consider before bringing an exotic pet into your Florida house.
Sloth
Sloths, however expensive and challenging to care for, are permitted as pets with the proper permit since they are classified as Class 3 wildlife.
This is why sloths are becoming more and more popular.
A huge habitat and particular temperatures are necessary for these creatures, therefore first-time exotic pet owners should never purchase them. Florida does, however, offer a hospital climate that allows them to spend the majority of the year outside.
New Guinea Singing Dog
There’s a lot of disagreement regarding where these animals fit within the definition of “wildlife.” Some regard New Guinea singing dogs as wild dogs, similar to wolves or jackals, while others view them as merely another kind of dog evolved from feral dogs.
Regretfully, Florida has opted to classify them as wild animals; nonetheless, they are still accessible because they are classified as Class 3 wildlife.
Although these dogs are not for everyone, their greater maintenance needs are comparable to those of other active dog breeds.
Skunks
As far as exotic mammals go, skunks are well-liked and considered to be among the “easier” exotics to handle. Once more, these adorable and lively creatures are allowed with a Class 3 permit.
These animals are even sold in many pet stores in Florida. It is forbidden to bring skunks from the wild and keep them as pets.
Asian Leopard Cat
In Florida, the majority of cats are classified as Class 2 or 1 Wildlife. This includes certain smaller cats (servals, caracals, bobcats, and lynxes) as well as all large cats (lions, pumas, tigers, and leopards).
Only a few smaller, less well-known cats are still included in the Class 3 Wildlife category. The popular domesticated Bengal cat breed originated from the Asian leopard cat. Another rare and legal wild cat species are jungle cats.
Bats
Being a probable rabies carrier, you wouldn’t want to bring in a bat from the wild, yet Florida is one of the few states that permits bats as pets.
Fruit bats are the most popular species of bat kept as pets. Despite their uniqueness, they need a large enclosure due to their size. Bats need a sizable aviary of their own where they may fly about.
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Foxes
Every fox is classified as a member of Class 3. These canids are not allowed to come from the wild; however, captive-bred arctic, red, fennec, bat-eared, swift, and all other species permitted for commerce are acceptable.
Deer
Owning wild deer is prohibited in the majority of states, including Florida. But you can possess captive-bred deer species that are not wild, both native and non-native, if you apply for a $50 permit.
The application for a gaming farm license is required, and it doesn’t seem to limit ownership for personal use. Any animal that is regarded as game has to have this license. This also applies to antelope, buffalo, elk, rabbits, wild hogs, grey squirrels, and buffalo, but not bison.
Either build an eight-foot-tall fence to keep deer out or follow the guidelines specific to your species. Some types of deer maintained as pets are the smaller dog-sized muntjac deer, the white-tailed deer, and the axis deer.
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Squirrels
All squirrel species are legal, with the exception of the grey squirrel, which is regarded as a game animal and necessitates the application for and observance of those conditions from a game farm license.
Chipmunks, flying squirrels, red squirrels, and other unusual species like Prevost squirrels are included in this.
Raccoons
One of the few states that will grant permits and let people possess this well-known rabies vector is Florida.
Particularly if they are housed indoors, captive-bred raccoons do not present as great of a risk for rabies as do wild raccoons, which are illegal.
Raccoons can be prone to aggressive behavior, so they do need some attention and socializing to stay happy and tame.
Read Also: Maryland’s Hidden Threats: Deadliest Animals in the State
Marmoset
For those who are new to owning monkeys, these small primates, often known as “finger monkeys,” are popular pets. These and many other smaller primates (squirrel monkeys, tamarins, owl monkeys, lemurs, bush babies) are permissible with a Class 3 permit.
Class 2 wildlife includes larger monkeys like macaques and patas monkeys, as well as gibbons, which are smaller apes.
Although classed as Class 3 wildlife, capuchin monkeys and a few other species still need to be experienced with; to obtain a Class 3 primate license, an application must be submitted.
To Conclude
Due to its subtropical warmth and variety of ecosystems, Florida has a special chance for exotic pet ownership. To guarantee proper and moral pet care, it is essential to comprehend the laws and rules pertaining to these creatures.
You can enjoy the company of an exotic pet in Florida in a safe and ethical manner by carefully examining the requirements unique to each species, securing the required licenses, and giving them the proper care.
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