Invasive pet reptile restrictions take effect this week
A black and white Tegu lizard (Source: Associated Press)
By ABC7 Staff | April 27, 2021 at 10:04 AM EDT - Updated April 27 at 10:04 AM
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WWSB) - Owners of certain nonnative reptiles will have to follow new rules which take effect Thursday, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said.
The FWC if offering to help pet owners come into compliance with the new invasive reptile rules, designed to protect Florida from high-risk, nonnative reptiles, including pet green iguanas and tegus.
Pet owners will have 90 days from the effective date to apply for a no-cost permit and mark their pets with a Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag, also known as a microchip. Working with a variety of partners, the FWC is holding Tag Your Reptile Day events throughout the state to offer pet owners an opportunity to have their pet green iguanas or tegus microchipped for free. Staff will also be on hand to address questions about the permit application process.