Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok I read the Florida Fish and Wildlife page and I see permits for hunting, farming, trapping, and processing for food but I dont see anything about owning one as a pet. It's not listed on on the Class I or Class II lists so does that mean it is Class III. I know there are a lot of people from Florida on these boards so if you know please answer.

I looked all through the Laws Forum and someone wrote that you can only possess alligators in Florida for resale and not for personal use and that it requires a Class III commercial permit. Can anyone tell me if this is true please?

Yes he is right. You can posses alligators for sale under a class 3 license. There is no license to keep alligators as pets in FL. So the class 3 dealers license is how people get around it. If you keep more than 1 and they breed the FFWCC will make you get a farm permit $250 a year. By the way that dealers license fee is $150 now for up to 25 animals. They just changed it last year it used to be $25. You can call FFWCC at 850-488-6253. Hope this helps.

Thank you very much!

You may also possess alligators in Florida for 'exhibition.' This requires a permit. There are no experience requirements for this permit. (Although I hope anyone applying for this permit takes the care of the alligators seriously.)

Right now I am looking at building a 40' X 30' outdoor enclosure.