2025 Rule Change for Prohibited Reptiles
Green iguanas are a Prohibited species in Florida due to the high risk they pose to Florida's environment and economy. To maintain protection for Florida's native wildlife resources, Commissioners of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved rule changes in May 2025 to allow and activate more Floridians to sell wild-caught, invasive green iguanas out-of-state. Now, anyone in Florida can apply for authorization to collect wild-caught green iguanas for sales out-of-state. These changes to Chapter 68-5, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) became effective August 20, 2025. These changes also created an allowance for the transfer of live wild-caught green iguanas from Eradication and Control permittees to permit holders who are authorized to sell live green iguanas out-of-state. Additional changes streamlined the process for Prohibited species pet permit applications; increased options for FWC Law Enforcement to place Prohibited species; and defined "transshipment".
In an effort to continue to encourage and activate more Floridians to remove Prohibited nonnative green iguanas from Florida’s environment, FWC Commissioners approved additional rules changes in November 2025 to allow practical and secure alternative outdoor caging options for permittees in possession of green iguanas that include the use of one-quarter inch by one-quarter inch closed-mesh metal wire, allowance of dig barriers, and the allowance of a primary enclosure with secondary containment in lieu of a double door safety entrance. These changes also establish collection and transport requirements for live, wild-caught green iguanas. Additional changes clarify emergency preparedness plans and transport regulations for Prohibited nonnative reptiles and define the term “locked.” The effective date of these changes has not yet been determined. Check back for updates!
More Information on 2025 Rule Changes
Frequently Asked Questions
The goals of the changes are to increase opportunities for the public to remove live, wild-caught green iguanas from where they have been introduced or established in Florida and maintain protection for Florida’s native wildlife. The rule change establishes an allowance for transfer of live green iguanas to permit holders who are authorized to sell live green iguanas out-of-state, creates rules for collection and transport of live, wild-caught green iguanas and will add practical and secure alternative outdoor caging options for permittees in possession of green iguanas. The changes will also identify reasonable ways to ensure accountability and compliance, produce a streamlined process for Prohibited species pet permit applications, increase options for FWC Law Enforcement to place Prohibited species, and generally clarify and refine regulations related to Prohibited reptiles. A definition for “transshipment” and “locked” was also developed.
Prohibited species pose a high risk to Florida's ecology, economy or human health and safety. Prohibited species may only be possessed for research, following approval of a research plan, and for public exhibition by qualifying facilities. Prohibited species may also be possessed for eradication and control activities by permitted entities and in some cases, by permit holders with authorization to sell green iguanas or tegus. Additionally, limited exceptions allow some people to keep Prohibited green iguanas or tegus as personal pets with a no-cost permit if the animal:
- Possessed prior to its listing as Prohibited, and
- Permittee meets biosecurity, PIT tagging, and caging requirements in rule, and
- Documentation is provided that proves prior possession.
People moving into Florida could apply for their Grandfathered Prohibited Species for Personal Use permit if they can provide the documentation of pet ownership prior to the species designation in Florida as Prohibited.
Additional regulations restrict the importation, possession and transfer of certain Prohibited species.
The focus of these proposed rule changes is to activate and allow more Floridians to collect live green iguanas from the wild in Florida. These proposed changes will offer an opportunity for industry to help remove more green iguanas from areas where they are already established throughout south Florida. Though these efforts may help to reduce green iguana populations locally; they will not likely result in eradication of this invasive species.
Tegus are considered established in four areas within Florida including Miami-Dade, St. Lucie, Hillsborough, and Charlotte counties. Tegus can survive in much colder climates than green iguanas as well; thus, they pose a more significant risk of establishing in new areas throughout Florida. Because tegus can establish across Florida, the FWC is not currently looking to expand possession or caging allowances for this Prohibited invasive species.
We have additional information and FAQ pages set up for the following topics:
Green Iguana Collection and Sales
Other Changes for Nonnative Species
Green Iguana Outdoor Caging and Biosecurity
If you still have questions, you can reach us at NonnativeSpeciesRules@MyFWC.com or NonnativePermitApps@MyFWC.com.