Captive Wildlife Announcements
Rule Development
The Captive Wildlife Office is soliciting input on captive wildlife regulations in Florida regarding permits to operate a native wildlife rehabilitation facility and the current regulations governing native wildlife rehabilitation. The current rule language regarding native wildlife rehabilitation is in Rule 68A-9.006, F.A.C.
Updated draft rule language is now available for review. Public meetings to discuss this rule draft are listed below. If you cannot attend one of the meetings but would still like to submit comments, please use the public comment form to provide input, comments, or feedback regarding the draft rehabilitation rule.
MEETING DATES AND LOCATIONS
6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Panama City
Wednesday, January 17, 2024 (6 PM - 8PM)
Hilton Garden Inn Panama City Airport
5625 Venture Crossings Blvd.
Panama City, FL 32409
Ocala
Thursday, January 18, 2024 (6 PM - 8PM)
TownePlace Suites Ocala
8125 SW State Rd 200
Ocala, FL 34481
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Detected in Florida
(FWC) has confirmed that a road-killed 4.5 year-old female white-tailed deer in Holmes County sampled during routine surveillance activities has tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD). It is the first known case of CWD in Florida. CWD is a contagious disease of the brain and central nervous system that is always fatal to deer.
The FWC and its agency partners take CWD very seriously and have implemented a comprehensive response plan with the goal of containing the disease within the area it was detected. As part of the plan, the FWC will collect samples from specific established zones to further assess the spread of the disease. The results from this initial sampling effort will inform resource managers so they can react with appropriate management strategies.
Learn more about FWC's CWD Event Response in Florida
Captive Wildlife Permit Applications Moving Online
As of March 28, 2023, all Captive Wildlife applications have moved to an online application system (Go Outdoors Florida). Active permits will remain valid until their expiration date.
To apply for a permit, new and renewal applicants must:
- Navigate to Go Outdoors Florida.
- Click the Captive Wildlife tile and "Visit Site".
- Create a new customer account OR log in to your existing account if you have used the Go Outdoors Florida system previously (business customers, please see Business Applicant FAQs regarding business profiles).
- Once logged in, click “Apply for a Permit” to access the applications.
- Add the appropriate application to your shopping cart by clicking "Apply for Permit". Click on your shopping cart and click Checkout.
- After clicking Checkout, you will be prompted to complete the application. Complete all required fields and click Submit.
- You will be redirected to your Home page and receive an email confirmation from the system verifying that your application has been received by the FWC Captive Wildlife Office for processing. You will not be charged for the application; you will be prompted to provide payment for your permit upon application approval and permit issuance.
For more detailed assistance with the Go Outdoors Florida system (including account creation, submitting an application, and checking the status of your application), please contact Go Outdoors Florida Customer Help at (855) 779-5907 or customerhelp@gooutdoorsflorida.com.
For additional information, please view the Online Application FAQs.
Avian Influenza
Information to Captive Wildlife Licensees on Avian Influenza
Covid-19
Information to Captive Wildlife Licensees on COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)
Contact Information
If you have any questions, please contact the Captive Wildlife Office.
Phone: (850) 488-6253
Email: CWApps@myFWC.com
Mail: Captive Wildlife Office, 620 S Meridian Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399