MIAMI HERALD (Florida) 16 September 08 Broward moves ahead with rules for iguanas (Robert Samuels)

The Broward County Commission stuck out its political tongue at the iguana on Tuesday, asking its attorney to write up a resolution supporting regulation of the increasingly prolific reptile.

The resolution, which the commission will vote on in October, would ask the state to classify the lizards as ''reptiles of concern.'' That means pet owners would have to pay $100 a year for a license, as well as microchip them.

''Iguanas cost about $10,'' said Jeanne Brodsky, manager at Strictly Reptiles in Hollywood, a warehouse that considers itself ''The Iguana Kings.'' ``They are good pets. To add all these new fees that people can't afford seems like discrimination.''

Commissioners skipped over those concerns, largely agreeing they need to consider some way to control the spread of iguanas -- animals that are not native to the Florida ecosystem but are relatively harmless.

They made their decision in minutes, then moved on to lawsuit settlements and land use plans.

The commission's approval would be another victory for the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida, which has persuaded Cape Coral, Pompano Beach, Palm Beach County and Monroe County to adopt the resolution.

Yet the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission believes such regulations would not control the number of iguanas and would dilute the meaning of ``reptiles of concern.''

The designation was supposed to be reserved for lizards and snakes that can attack people. Iguanas, relatively docile creatures, are more prone to attack hibiscus flowers and well-manicured lawns, said Scott Hardin, the state's exotic species coordinator.

''I'm going to visit the local agencies and governments and try and brief them about what we know about iguanas and what the possible solutions are,'' Hardin said. ``This is a relatively recent problem.''
Broward moves ahead with rules for iguanas

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