Florida Rules & Information

These Rules & Information are provided as a convenience to Repticon vendors and exhibitors, and may not be comprehensive for every animal. Each vendor is responsible for researching and complying with all current laws regarding their animals.

Florida Vendors require a Class III permit.  Permit application and all other info, including Florida's newer "Reptiles of Concern" Laws, can be found at :

http://myfwc.com/license/wildlife/captive-wildlife/

or contact Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, for Licensing and Permitting - 850-488-6253

For USDA, Main office # - 919-855-7100,  fax: 919-855-7100

NEW INFO 9/2011!

Please review the following documents courtesy of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, including FAQ and the new required inventory form

2011 Reptile Handout.doc

Reptile Trade Show FAQs Final.doc

Fish & Wildlife Form 2011.xlsx

Additional Rules for FIRExpo Venomous Included Section

Vendors need a Venomous Permit & Bond to sell venomous reptiles in the state of Florida.

Requirements are:
- All venomous are to be secured behind glass or plexi-glass, so that guests are not able to pick up containers holding venomous.
- All delis cups/containers are to be secured with wire ties or crimps, tape alone is not sufficient.
- Buyers should come prepared to legally and safely transport and Venomous they may purchase, by having their venomous permit and a lock box for transport.
- No more than one venomous reptile in each container unless animals are for “Display Only”.
- Red tape is required on ALL containers that have venomous reptiles in them. This includes all potentially dangerous rear fanged snakes (determined at the discretion of Repticon staff).
- No venomous snake will be allowed away from the vendor’s table without a venomous escort provided by Repticon.
- All Venomous reptiles must be sexed and labeled prior to the opening of the event.
- All venomous reptiles must be housed in secured, taped and unbreakable containers and labeled with no less than the common name.
- No venomous reptiles may be removed from containers and lids of such containers shall not be removed, except in the designated area. NO venomous reptile will be taken out of its container nor will the container be unsealed under any circumstances other then in the designated area.
- Waivers - All vendors with venomous snakes must sign a waiver upon check in and have all customers do the same.

Venomous reptiles which have been sold will be tagged and remain at vendors' booth until buyer is departing from show. Customer is to sign a waiver; then advise customer to return when ready to depart from the building. At this time the vendor will give the waiver and reptiles to show staff volunteers who will escort the customer as they exit the show. Any vendor not adhering to this policy and giving their customers venomous reptiles purchased may be ejected from the show immediately and no refund issued.

Venomous Reptiles - Bite or Exposure Protocol
Facilities or premises where venomous reptiles are housed and maintained shall have a Bite or Exposure Protocol clearly posted on the premises in proximity to where the venomous reptiles are housed or maintained.  This protocol shall include the common and scientific names of the specimen(s) housed and maintained within the facility, antivenin procedures required for treatment of each species and the location of the antivenin, emergency contact information, and a plan of action in case of a venomous reptile bite or venom exposure. 

Links for Venomous Permit & Bond Information:

http://myfwc.com/license/wildlife/captive-wildlife/applications/

For more information:

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conserv. Comm.
Farris Byrant Building
620 Meridian St.
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600
850-488-4676 - Main Number.
850-488-6253 - For Licenses.