Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was just wondering if it is illegal to have eastern box turtles in FL? thanks
wayne

The quotes below were taken directly from FL gov website.
You can dig further to get the cage requirements. You do have to have a permit to sell, and can get in trouble if you buy fom someone without a permit. Hope this helps

"Some common and innocuous species of wildlife have been exempted from permit requirements for personal use (i.e., parrots, parakeets, squirrels, non-venomous snakes, turtles, and rabbits), but possessors must still comply with caging and humane requirements"

7. Rule 68A-6.004, Standard Caging Requirements

Humane treatment of wildlife requires cages and enclosures that meet the physical and psychological needs of the animals. This Rule establishes required enclosure dimensions for most wildlife species. Together with sizes, the Rule requires appropriate shelters, dens, nest boxes, exercise apparatus, and other necessary comfort and security needs to provide a safe, healthy, and humane environment for captive wildlife. "Environmental enhancements" are also required for most species. These are items that will stimulate the animals' natural foraging and activity behaviors to provide for their psychological well-being. For example, enhancements for big cats might include boxes, balls, or rawhide chewing items. The Rule provides for deviation from specific enclosure length/width measurements under certain circumstances. Also, since most captive wildlife need socialization with others of the same species, many standard cage sizes require sufficient space for two or more animals.

NOTE: IT IS ILLEGAL TO CONFINE WILDLIFE IN CAGES OR ENCLOSURES WHICH CONTAIN MORE INDIVIDUAL ANIMALS, OR ARE SMALLER IN DIMENSION THAN SPECIFIED, OR NOT EQUIPPED AS REQUIRED (EXCEPT AS DEFINED UNDER RULE 68A-6.0041, EXEMPTIONS TO STANDARD CAGING REQUIREMENTS). IN ADDITION, THOSE ENTITIES LICENSED OR PERMITTED TO POSSESS WILDLIFE PRIOR TO DECEMBER 31, 1997, ARE "GRANDFATHERED" AND ARE NOT REQUIRED TO MEET THE NEW CAGING SPECIFICATIONS UNTIL JANUARY 1, 2000.

8. Rule 68A-6.0041, Exceptions to the Standard Caging Requirements

Wildlife held under certain conditions do not have to be placed in standard-sized cages. Examples include newborn and juvenile animals and wildlife held for sale at exotic wildlife auctions, exotic bird shows, and herptile exhibitions. The Rule stipulates animals held under such conditions must abide by strict sanitary and humane standards.
http://myfwc.com/captive/cwr-3.html

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Jenea

1:3 Eastern Hognose
0:0:1 Florida Redbelly Snake
0:1 Gulf Coast Box Turtle
1:1 Red-eared Slider
2:0 Cats
1:1 Kids
1:0 Spouse

The four subspecies of Terrapene carolina (which includes the eastern box) native to the US are designated as a species of special concern in the state of Florida. You may not buy, sell, or possess for sale this species of turtle in Florida. You can, however, own up to two specimens per person.

This list is straight from the Florida Wildlife Comission website. There are not any box turtles listed on it. Do you have a link where you received you info.?
Florida Imperiled Species List

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Jenea

1:3 Eastern Hognose
0:0:1 Florida Redbelly Snake
0:1 Gulf Coast Box Turtle
1:1 Red-eared Slider
2:0 Cats
1:1 Kids
1:0 Spouse