Exotic pet laws in Florida
Every animal in our directory, checked against Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rules and Florida statute. Click any animal for the full entry — the exact law, penalties, permits, and local caveats.
All animals: status at a glance
| Animal | Status | Statute | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raccoon | Permit Required | F.A.C. ch. 68A-6 | 2026-07-02 |
| Monkey | Permit Required | F.A.C. ch. 68A-6 (esp. 68A-6.004) | 2026-07-02 |
| Serval | Permit Required | F.A.C. ch. 68A-6 | 2026-07-02 |
| Fennec Fox | Permit Required | F.A.C. ch. 68A-6 | 2026-07-02 |
| Sugar Glider | Legal | F.A.C. ch. 68A-6 (no-permit species list) | 2026-07-02 |
| Hedgehog | Legal | Fla. Admin. Code ch. 68A-6 | 2026-07-13 |
| Ferret | Legal | Fla. Admin. Code ch. 68A-6 (domestic ferret not listed as captive wildlife) | 2026-07-13 |
Permit-required animals in Florida
- Raccoon — Class III wildlife — legal with a no-cost FWC permit, captive-bred only
- Monkey — Smaller monkeys are Class III with permit + experience requirements; larger primates are Class I/II and effectively out of reach as pets
- Serval — Class II wildlife — permit available but demanding: documented experience, facility standards, and fees
- Fennec Fox — Class III wildlife — legal with the no-cost FWC personal pet permit, captive-bred source required
Legal without a permit in Florida
- Sugar Glider — On FWC's no-permit-required list — legal statewide
- Hedgehog — Legal — FWC requires no permit for pet hedgehogs
- Ferret — Legal — domestic ferrets need no FWC captive wildlife permit
How Florida regulates exotic pets
Primary authority sits with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Statewide statute sets the floor; cities and counties frequently layer stricter bans on top, so always check your municipal code as well as the entries above.
Research directory, not legal advice. Verify current rules with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) before acquiring any animal.