Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Some here may know me, some may not....but I've been around since the late 90's and am looking for some feedback...

I've lived in Arizona for 14 years and am ready for someplace new...One of my requirements is that I move to a warm weather, hot friendly state. Texas seems to be a mess at the moment, so they're pretty much out...I just got back from a trip to Louisiana, and the state laws there seem reasonable and prudent. I've kept native hots here in Az for the past 13 years and would prefer to move somewhere where I didn't have to get rid of them or temporarily house them here in Az just so I can get a permit and go back to get them...I'm also interested in select exotics, so this would have to be legal as well....

I'm wondering if some of you guys can provide me with some recommendations as far as this goes....thanks!

-AzAtrox (Kris)

PS-This post is equally relevant in the Venomous forum, so it's posted there as well.

Looking forward to having you as a neighbor in the state of Florida soon. We have a great permit process that gives you every right to own any hot you want (except sea snakes). Just take a look at the price lists from Glades Herp, Strictly Reptiles, Exotic Reptile Jungle, and lots more. You can probably drive to get what you want with no shipping. The antivenom bank here stocks over forty different kinds. Florida has something for everyone from subtropical humid crocodile habitat down south, beach side modern condos and homes, to giant Spanish moss draped oak trees and fall season rural areas up north. There’s even an area with some small hills like the hill country in Texas. The officers who did my inspection were really great guys, nice attitudes and encouraging. One of them even brought me a venomous snake for free just to find it a home. It’s a buyers market now, so you have plenty of choice. The hardest part is finding employment in your chosen field or starting up something in this economy right now. There are certain areas that are fairly “recession proof”. I suggest starting in Daytona at the show and driving around a little bit. Remember, Florida is somewhat famous for the old time roadside gator and snake exhibit. Many old timers here are pretty tolerant of people keeping them. Many remember the Serpentarium in Miami and the owner who saved a few lives locally by giving them his own immunized blood. That might come across as a little kooky in most places, but here he was seen as something of a good guy. That’s my pitch!

I've really considered Florida...I guess the biggest hangup there is the fact that there is no grace period for the inspection...meaning that a) I can't have my animals before I get inspected which in turn means b) I'll have to move and leave them in Az temporarily until I can get the permit.

I asked about hot laws in Louisiana when i was there, and while they were modeled after Fla's laws, Louisiana does allow a 30 day grace period to get the inspection...Kinda nice...

All that being said, Fla's laws make sense, and Fla is definitely on the radar as far as a potential future home.

Thanks for your feedback!

PS-I also REALLY like the fact that the state of Florida retains rights as to venomous ownership...(that is to say that city and local ordinances cannot ban ownership if one has a valid permit).

-Kris

Arkansas.
We have no permits or bans on snakes. Hot or not.

We should throw AR up there as well...provided good jobs are there, then it definitely has alot going for it herpin/keepin wise!

-Kris