Regulations for Nonnative, Conditional and Prohibited Aquatic Species

Chapter 68-5, F.A.C. states that possession of nonnative Conditional and Prohibited species by eligible entities is limited to the purposes of research, educational exhibition, control or eradication with limited exceptions for commercial sales of wild-caught green iguanas or qualifying commercial sales for tegus, and pet owners (green iguanas and tegus only).

Conditional Aquatic Species

A Conditional/Prohibited/Nonnative Species Permit is needed to import and possess Conditional aquatic species for commercial use, research or public exhibition. Conditional species may not be acquired or kept as personal pets, with the exception of red-eared sliders with the proper permit. Albino and amelanistic (lacking melanin) red-eared sliders may be possessed without a permit.

• Entities with a valid Aquaculture Certificate (AQ) that has the restricted species authorization from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) for that particular species do not need a permit from the FWC to import or possess Conditional aquatic species for aquaculture purposes.
  • However, aquaculturists that import and possess Conditional aquatic species for direct retail sales must obtain a permit from the FWC.
• Conditional aquatic species may be transferred or sold to people who possess a FWC permit or FDACS AQ to import or possess that particular species.
  • For more information refer to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Prohibited Aquatic Species

A Conditional/Prohibited/Nonnative Species Permit is needed to import and possess Prohibited aquatic species for research or public exhibition. Prohibited aquatic species are not allowed to be used commercially or possessed for personal use.

• No permits are issued for the importation and possession of piranha and pirambeba, for any purpose.
• Sea snakes can only be possessed for public exhibition by facilities with current accreditation by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association or the American Association of Museums and that post a $1 million letter of credit to the FWC. Only male sea snakes may be possessed, and facilities where sea snakes are held cannot be located in coastal counties or in areas that have contiguous connections with waters of the state. Sea snakes can only be imported by airplanes that land only in non-coastal counties in the state. Facilities where sea snakes are held must abide by all regulatory requirements of the FWC for venomous reptiles.
• Weeverfishes and stonefishes may not be imported into the state.

Nonnative Fish and Frogs

Commercial fish dealer's licenses are required by the FWC to sell nonnative fish and frogs in Florida. It is unlawful for licensed freshwater fish dealers or buyers to purchase freshwater fish or frogs from any unlicensed person.

Freshwater Turtles

Red-eared sliders are a common nonnative turtle that has been popular in the pet trade. Red-eared sliders are regulated as a Conditional species in Florida. Anyone that possessed a pet red-eared slider before July 1, 2007 can legally keep their turtle and no permit is required. However, Floridians are not allowed to acquire red-eared sliders as personal pets after that date. As of August 2010, individuals may apply for a Conditional/Prohibited/Nonnative species permit to acquire pet red-eared sliders. Anyone importing or possessing red-eared sliders for research, exhibition, or out of state sale is required to have a Conditional/Prohibited/Nonnative Species Permit.

Qualifying entities must have adequate indoor tanks or outdoor enclosures that are fully enclosed by a barrier secured at least 6 inches below ground and that will prevent escape of turtles by digging, climbing or crawling through gaps. Any red-eared slider eggs must be destroyed daily. Albino and amelanistic red-eared sliders may be possessed without a permit.

Triploid Grass Carp

Triploid grass carp used for aquatic weed control is not included under the Conditional/Prohibited/Nonnative species permit. Permits for using triploid grass carp for weed control must be applied for online. For information on any other permits for triploid or diploid grass carp use, please contact the FWC’s Invasive Plant Management Section at 850-617-9430.