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Application and Information

Permit applications and related information

We are beginning to send out requests for additional information and other correspondence via email.  Please add cwapps@myfwc.com to your contacts.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • How long does it take to receive my license after I apply?
    It takes the Captive Wildlife Office approximately 4-6 weeks to process applications. This processing time begins when the agency receives an application and payment has been processed. For applications with a license fee, you should expect to receive an update on your license application within 4-6 weeks after your payment has been processed (i.e. your check has been cashed). This time frame may be extended, depending on whether an application is new or a renewal, whether documents are missing, and whether or not an inspection is required. Inspections are required for new Class I, II, and certain Class III species, venomous reptiles, conditional reptiles and rehabilitation facilities. All licensees and permittees are subject to initial and routine inspections.
  • I found an injured, orphaned or abandoned animal (such as a raccoon). Who do I call?
    Please call a local permitted wildlife rehabilitator to take the animal. Our Office can provide contact information for wildlife rehabilitators in your area.
  • What are the caging requirements for the wildlife I want to possess? Caging, facility and housing requirements can be found in Rules 68A-6 Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.). Caging for venomous reptiles are found in 68A-6.0171, F.A.C, and caging for conditional reptiles are found in 68-5.004, F.A.C.
  • Where can I find the rules and regulations pertaining to captive wildlife?
    Most of the rules and regulations pertaining to captive wildlife can be found in Chapter 68A-6, Florida Administrative Code. You can search for this chapter and others at www.flrules.org.
  • Am I required to complete the Captive Wildlife Critical Incident-Disaster Plan (CIDP)?
    Yes.  The CIDP required of all new and renewal applicants wishing to possess captive wildlife (for personal use, exhibition or public sale), venomous reptiles and/or reptiles of concern. Part A must be submitted with each initial or renewal application.  The “Emergency Contact” requested on Part A must be someone other than the applicant. Part B must be completed and kept at the facility location.

For More Information, please contact:
Division of Law Enforcement, Captive Wildlife Section
620 S. Meridian Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600
850-488-6253

Class III, No-cost Personal Pet Permit

  • Application may be submitted online through Go Outdoors Florida (GOF)
  • GOF User Guide (step by step instructions on creating an account in GOF and submitting a PPNC application)
  • PPNC Application FAQs
  • Freshwater Turtles
  • Primate Experience Memo
  • Applicants for Class I/II Wildlife, Venomous Reptiles, or Capuchin, Spider, and Woolly monkeys must also submit 2 reference letters along with their documentation of experience: One of these references must be licensed by the commission for the authorization(s) the applicant is seeking or a representative of a professional organization or governmental institution. Examples of such organizations or institutions include, but are not limited to, universities, public service agencies, zoological associations, herpetological societies and veterinarians. Not more than 1 reference letter may be from a family member.

Class III, for Exhibition or Public Sale License

  • Application 
  • Captive Wildlife Critical Incident - Disaster Plan (required of all new and renewal applicants wishing to possess captive wildlife (for personal use, exhibition or public sale), venomous reptiles and/or reptiles of concern). 
  • Updated Contact Information
  • Conditional Species/Reptiles of Concern for Exhibition or Public Sale authorization may be requested on the Class III, for Exhibition or Public Sale application
  • VRC Updated Inventory
  • Primate Experience Memo
  • Applicants for Class I/II Wildlife, Venomous Reptiles, or Capuchin, Spider, and Woolly monkeys must also submit 2 reference letters along with their documentation of experience: One of these references must be licensed by the commission for the authorization(s) the applicant is seeking or a representative of a professional organization or governmental institution. Examples of such organizations or institutions include, but are not limited to, universities, public service agencies, zoological associations, herpetological societies and veterinarians. Not more than 1 reference letter may be from a family member. 

Class I and/or Class II, for Exhibition or Public Sale License

License to Possess Class II Wildlife for Personal Use (PPL)- $140

  • Application
  • Captive Wildlife Critical Incident - Disaster Plan (Part A must be submitted with all new and renewal applications)
  • Facility Location Information form (must be submitted with all new applications)
  • Applicants for Class II wildlife must submit 1000 hours of experience in the care, feeding, handling and husbandry with the taxonomical family being applied for. Applicants must also submit 2 references letters, one of which must be licensed by the commission for the authorization(s) the applicant is seeking or a representative of a professional organization or governmental institution. Examples of such organizations or institutions include, but are not limited to, universities, public service agencies, zoological associations, herpetological societies and veterinarians. Not more than 1 reference letter may be from a family member.
  • Primate Experience Memo
  • Sample Experience Log
  • Land Requirements

Importation of Class I, II, III

  • Import Permit Information
  • Application and Permit (used for importation of wildlife for education, commercial, non-commercial or rehabilitation purposes)
  • Temporary housing requirements must be met as stated in Rule 68A-6.005, F.A.C.
  • Possession requirements must be met as stated in Sections 379.374, 379.3761, and 379.3762 Florida Statutes.
  • Import application permits may be emailed to CWApps@myfwc.com

Class I / II Wildlife & Venomous Reptiles

  • Must have one of the following licenses to possess or transport Class I/II Wildlife or Venomous Reptiles in Florida: 
  • License to Possess Class I and/or Class II Wildlife for Exhibition or Public Sale (ESA/ESB)
  • License to Possess Wildlife for Personal Use (PPL)
  • License to Possess or Exhibit Venomous Reptiles and/or  Reptiles of Concern (VRC)
  • Possession of Class II personal pets require a PPL, regardless of duration of stay
  • Companies that strictly transport/import must apply for ESA/ESB/VRC
  • Employees of facilities licensed in Florida must have Special Authorization while transporting Class I/II wildlife or venomous reptiles.

Class III Wildlife

  • Documentation of experience is required for Capuchin, Spider, & Woolly monkeys as stated in Rule 68A-6.0022, F.A.C.
  • Personal Pet questionnaire required for Class III wildlife requiring a permit for possession and if being possessed as a pet only.

Possess or Exhibit Venomous Reptiles and/or Reptiles of Concern

Wildlife and Migratory Bird Rehabilitation

Wildlife Permits and Information