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Nuisance Wildlife Permits

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Nuisance Wildlife

Nuisance wildlife is wildlife that...

• causes (or is about to cause) property damage,
• presents a threat to public safety, or
• causes an annoyance within, under or upon a building.

Trappers and property owners who have problems with animals are responsible for complying with the many laws that protect animals. Before removing an animal, please seek assistance in understanding these laws and your options for resolving the problem. 

You may want to have another individual take the nuisance animals for you. To report a nuisance alligator, call 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).  For other wildlife problems, consult the FWC's list of Nuisance Wildlife Trappers that Operate in Your County.  Most trappers will charge a fee for their services. 

With certain exceptions explained below, you do not need to notify or obtain FWC authorization to take destructive or nuisance wildlife from private property with the consent of the property owner.  Likewise, property owners may take nuisance wildlife, as long as the animals are destroyed humanely.  Relocating nuisance wildlife to another property is prohibited.

The exceptions apply to the taking of nuisance alligators; deer; bears; bats, most migratory birds, their nests or eggs; turkeys; bobwhite quail; or state-listed or federally listed species of special concern, threatened or endangered species.  Additionally, anyone possessing or transporting live venomous reptiles is required to have a License to Possess or Exhibit Venomous Reptiles and/or Reptiles of Concern.

A permit is also required to use steel traps to take destructive mammals (excluding species prohibited by the FWC).  A Gun and Light at Night Permit is required to use a firearm and a light at night to remove nuisance armadillo, beaver, bobcat, coyote, fox, opossum, rabbit, raccoon, skunk, or hog causing destruction of crops and/or livestock.

Nuisance Wildlife Trappers - Businesses

The FWC has discontinued its Nuisance Wildlife Trapping Permit.  Nuisance wildlife trappers may voluntarily register to have their name added to the Wildlife Trapper List.

Nuisance alligator trappers

The Commission contracts with private individuals (nuisance alligator trappers) to remove specific nuisance alligators.

Wildlife trappers working in or under buildings

Nuisance wildlife trappers (businesses) who want to remove mice, rats, squirrels, bats or pest birds should contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DOACS) before doing that type of work.  Trappers do not need a DOACS license to remove other nuisance wildlife such as bobcats, foxes, raccoons, opossums, armadillos, snakes, etc.

For information about DOACS regulations or certification and licensing of pest control companies, visit the Division of Agriculture and Environmental Services (AES) Web site at www.flaes.org/ or contact the DOACS Bureau of Entomology and Pest Control at 850-921-4177.

Avitrol Use for Nuisance Nonlisted Birds

The FWC issues permits to licensed pest-control operators to use Avitrol for control of nonlisted bird species - primarily pigeons - that aggregate in a manner to become a nuisance and/or pose health risks to humans.

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