The Florida Senate

379.372  Capturing, keeping, possessing, transporting, or exhibiting venomous reptiles or reptiles of concern; license required.--

(1)  No person, firm, or corporation shall capture, keep, possess, or exhibit any poisonous or venomous reptile or reptile of concern without first having obtained a special permit or license therefor from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as provided in this section.

(2)  By December 31, 2007, the commission shall establish a list of reptiles of concern, including venomous, nonvenomous, native, nonnative, or other reptiles, which require additional regulation for capture, possession, transportation, or exhibition due to their nature, habits, status, or potential to negatively impact the environment, ecology, or humans.

(3)  It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation, whether licensed hereunder or not, to capture, keep, possess, or exhibit any venomous reptile or reptile of concern in any manner not approved as safe, secure, and proper by the commission. Venomous reptiles or reptiles of concern held in captivity are subject to inspection by the commission. The commission shall determine whether the reptiles are securely, safely, and properly penned. In the event that the reptiles are not safely penned, the commission shall report the situation in writing to the person, firm, or corporation owning the reptiles. Failure of the person, firm, or corporation to correct the situation within 30 days after such written notice shall be grounds for revocation of the license or permit of the person, firm, or corporation.

(4)  Venomous reptiles or reptiles of concern shall be transported in a safe, secure, and proper manner. The commission shall establish by rule the requirements for the transportation of venomous reptiles or reptiles of concern.

History.--s. 1, ch. 28263, 1953; s. 165, ch. 99-245; s. 1, ch. 2007-239; s. 159, ch. 2008-247.

Note.--Former s. 372.86.