Florida laws?

[chemgrl08]

Hi all. I am curious as to reptile laws in Florida (specifically, Miami.) As I understand it, there are sometimes laws outlawing reptile keeping in tropical climates because people are afraid they will escape and destroy the native species. As far as I've been able to find out, there are no such laws for a private reptile keeper in Miami. Anyone know anything about this?
(I'm looking into this because I was recently accepted to Florida International University in Miami for their chemistry Ph.D. program. Yay! Being a native Ohioan, I am excited about my upcoming visit. )

 

[gulfbrzdawn]

Hello and Congratulations on being accepted to FIU,

I live in Florida, but I am in the panhandle area, not near Miami. There are no state laws here against owning a reptile. Now... I don't know if there are any laws in Dade County itself about owning reptiles. I am always hearing stories about the problems they have in the everglades with large Boas and Pythons that were pets at one time. I guess it would be something worth looking into.

Someone who lives there or near there may have some more insight for you. My guess is it would be legal owning a beardie there...but, I have been known to be wrong a time or two :roll:

Good Luck,

Dawn

 

[Blackbarrron]

Its ok to have reptiles in Miami. I graduated from FIU in 2007 and I had Beardes, corn snakes and my alligator snapping turtle. You'll find alot of people has reptiles in miami. mostly snakes though

 

[chemgrl08]

Great! Thanks for the info!

 

[chago11]

i think beardies are alright to have in FL but some snakes require a permit and must be chipped.