Iguanas can no longer be kept as pets, but they can be trapped and removed, FWC rules


By Diane Emeott-Korzen | Contributing Writer

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission [FWC] voted recently to change the regulatory status of iguanas and other invasive reptiles from “Class 3” to “Prohibited” species.

An iguana at the former McNab House property in Pompano Beach. [Staff]

The change means iguanas cannot be kept as pets, sold as pets, or live-transported except by a certified wildlife trapper. Only facilities permitted for education exhibition, research or animal control can possess iguanas.

The new rules, approved by FWC at its Feb. 25 and 26 virtual meeting, are expected to take effect over the next several weeks.

When they do, anyone possessing a tegu [lizard] or green iguana will have 90 days to apply for a free permit which will allow them to keep their current animal for the remainder of its life, said Jan Fore, FWC non-native species education and outreach coordinator. Owners will have 180 days to come into compliance for caging. 

After that, pet owners will not be able to acquire any new tegus or iguanas.

There are some limited exception permits for those currently selling iguanas and tegus and these exceptions will apply to very few commercial sellers. Otherwise, importation and sale of these species without the limited exception permit is not allowed.  

Regarding trapping, transport would only be allowed if the trapper applied for a free eradication and control permit – trapper certification would not give the trapper this authority. This transport is only for humanely killing the animals discretely off-site. 

Commercial relocation and release are not allowed, nor is sale by the trapper unless he/she also has one of those limited exception permits, Fore said. 

Fore was the guest speaker at a virtual March 25 iguana workshop hosted by Deerfield Beach Sustainability Coordinator Hillary Silverstone. The presentation included a history of iguanas in Florida, technical assistance tips for homeowners, and a question-and-answer session at the end of the 70-minute meeting. At least 38 people participated.

But the problem of what to do about iguanas extends beyond Deerfield Beach. Many in Broward County and beyond find iguanas a nuisance.

But the reptile also has its fans.

A December post on NextDoor app asking, “What to do about Boca Square frozen lizards?” got 367 comments, with mixed reviews. The person who posted the original comment envisioned a neighborhood committee that would go around and collect them.

During the workshop, questions about trapping and killing iguanas arose.

The reptiles can be removed from private property with the owner’s permission.

To capture an iguana, Fore recommended placing a large, raccoon-size box trap in the yard baited with foods iguanas like, including strawberries, bananas and mangos. Set the trap in the shade and check it every 24 hours. “All captured iguanas must be humanely euthanized [killed] or you can contact a trapper,” she said. 

Using gas, smoke or poison to kill an iguana is not allowed, nor is freezing or drowning them.

You can shoot them with a pellet gun, stab them in the brain, even decapitate them if they don’t suffer. 

Broward Sheriff’s Office Executive Officer Adam Holstein stressed that it is illegal to kill animals in cruel or inhumane ways. 

If someone chooses to shoot an iguana as a method of euthanasia, then an air rifle with the proper velocity and pellet caliber/type, coupled with shot placement for a quick/clean, non-cruel death, is preferential to a BB gun, or a cheap/improper air rifle, that will likely cause cruel pain and suffering to the animal. Firearms cannot be discharged within city limits unless in self defense.

But Holstein cautioned residents about placing themselves in a dangerous position by walking around with a BB gun or air rifle. A neighbor could call 911, possibly resulting in police responding to what they think is a dangerous situation. “These days, a BB gun or pellet gun can be indistinguishable from some other firearm,” he said.

To legally dispose of a euthanized iguana in Deerfield Beach, Silverstone said an iguana can be put into a trash bag and placed in the garbage. Iguanas should not be thrown into a lake or canal, as one workshop participant’s neighbor was reportedly doing. 

Iguanas should never be fed and food intended for pets should not be left out for iguanas to take advantage.

To keep iguanas from climbing onto property, FWC recommends: hanging CD’s from trees, installing a sheet metal ring around the trunk of a tree, making drainage pipes and roof corners slippery. These measures will help deter iguanas, who are excellent climbers.

Iguanas do not generally scratch or bite and usually only do so if provoked. They can spread salmonella bacteria through their feces but droplets in pools are usually neutralized because of the chlorine. Droplets found on surfaces should be removed and thrown in the trash and the infected area sanitized.

5 responses to “Iguanas can no longer be kept as pets, but they can be trapped and removed, FWC rules”

  1. Doris Ashley Meads-Protheroe says:

    Great Article. A great solution to this serious problem.

  2. Dave Starr says:

    Chickens have salmonella, cats are far more destructive and people have been more seriously injured by Joe Biden’s dog than they ever have by an iguana

    • Ana P says:

      I am a new Florida resident from NY.
      I do not understand why in Florida iguanas are treated like vermin.
      They completely inoffensive creatures, not hurting anybody.
      I really dislike when they are called intrusive species.
      This planet belongs to all its creatures, it is not a particular creature to a particular place.

      • Joan Krajewski says:

        Iguanas destroy seawalls and foundations by burrowing tunnels which costs thousands of dollars to repair. The salmonella and other bacteria can kill other animals, and they’ve killed dogs and pets. They lay numerous eggs and it is destroying the ecosystem, and with no predators after they’re mature, it’s nearly impossible to control they’re population. They were brought here as pets and hurricanes brought them here after destroying their controlled habitat in Miami. I don’t like hurting animals, but cane toads, bufo toads, pythons, and these iguanas are doing too much damage and killing pets. Their feces also contaminate and erode Sewalls. 1 man whose full grown husky was in contact with one and 8 hours later he was dead. The man killed over 70 in one small area. Sadly, he couldn’t do anything to save his pet. It is firmly enforced they must be trapped or euthanized humanely. Lizard Kings remove them humanely. They also sell the meat and use the skin so the whole animal is used as the native Americans do so it is not just wasteful killing.

        • Emarie says:

          Wrong. Iguanas are not a burrowing species. Only females burrow to deposit eggs and these burrow are not inhabited by the mother after laying. Sea walls are being destroyed dude to erosion. Iguanas do not posses the arm strength or claws to disrupt foundation, nor do they burrow deep or tunnel. Any reptile or bird can carry salmonella. There really is no cause for concern with iguanas spreading salmonella. They lay an average of 30 eggs out of which only a portion will survive. Iguanas DO have predators; raccoons, crows, vultures, feral pigs, feral cats, panthers, coyotes, snakes, hawks, egrets, etc. Let’s remember that feral cats do 90% more ecological damage than the entire iguana population in Florida combined. If you want to ban anything, let’s ban outdoor cat keeping.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *