Iguana Admire...But Not Your New Roommate: The Sunshine State's Iguanamonious Situation
Florida: land of sunshine, beaches, retirees living their best lives, and...uh oh...iguanas. But listen, these prehistoric-looking pals are actually causing a bit of a rep-tile dysfunction (get it? Reputation? Dysfunction? I'll see myself out). So, the question burning brighter than a Florida afternoon sun is: can you cuddle up with a cool iguana as a pet?
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| Can You Have A Pet Iguana In Florida |
The Short Answer (Because Let's Be Honest, We All Want the Juice)
Nope, not anymore. Florida put the kibosh on keeping iguanas as pets in 2021. Apparently, these green giants are a little too good at the whole "living in Florida" thing, and they've become an invasive species. Turns out, all those leftover iguanas from exotic pet stores and irresponsible owners kinda messed with the ecosystem. Whoops.
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But Wait, There's More! (For Those Who Like Their Info Spicy)
If you already had an iguana before the law changed, you can breathe a sigh of relief (and maybe offer your iguana some crickets in celebration). There's a permitting process to keep your scaly friend, but it's not exactly a walk in the park (or a stroll on the beach). Think microchipping, fancy cages, and possibly attending Iguana Anger Management classes (okay, that last one might be a stretch, but you get the idea).
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So What Can You Do Instead of Snuggling an Iguana?
- Channel your inner wildlife photographer: Grab your camera and head to a nature preserve. Iguanas are plentiful in Florida, and with a little patience, you can get some pretty epic shots.
- Volunteer at a reptile rescue: There are organizations dedicated to caring for unwanted reptiles, including iguanas. You can help these amazing creatures find new homes.
- Get a different kind of scaly companion: Bearded dragons, leopard geckos, and crested geckos are all legal and awesome pet options in Florida.
Now, before you ask...
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Frequently Asked Questions (Iguana Know You're Curious)
How to get a permit for my existing pet iguana? Contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for details.
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How can I surrender my iguana? The FWC has an Exotic Pet Amnesty Program that allows you to give up your iguana without penalty.
How can I tell if an iguana is invasive? Green iguanas are the most common invasive species. Look for their spiky tails, long limbs, and greenish-brown coloring.
How big do iguanas get? Adult iguanas can grow up to 6 feet long! That's a lot of lizard to cuddle (which, you know, you can't do anymore).
How do I avoid iguanas in my yard? There are various techniques, but exclusion fencing is a good option.
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