The Florida Senate
BILL ANALYSIS AND FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(This document is based on the provisions contained in the legislation as of the latest date listed below.)
Prepared By: The Professional Staff of the Committee on Criminal Justice
BILL: SB 1266
INTRODUCER: Senators Rodriguez and Stewart
SUBJECT: Venomous Reptiles
DATE: April 3, 2023
ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR REFERENCE ACTION
1. Carroll Rogers EN Favorable
2. Cellon Stokes CJ Pre-meeting
3. RC
I. Summary:
SB 1266 revises the level of violations relating to the release or escape, or purchase or sale of
certain reptiles. Violations of the rules and orders of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission (FWC) have proscribed penalties depending upon the level of violation.
Specifically, the bill:
• Removes venomous reptiles from certain Level Two violations.
• Provides that it is a Level Three violation to violate certain rules or orders of the FWC that
results in the escape of any venomous reptiles that would be a Level Three violation.
• Provides that it is a Level Three violation to knowingly release a nonnative reptile of concern
or allow a nonnative reptile of concern to escape through gross negligence.
• Provides that it is a Level Four violation to knowingly release any venomous reptile or allow
any venomous reptile to escape through gross negligence.
• Provides that it is a Level Four violation to knowingly purchase, sell, attempt to sell, offer to
sell, conspire to sell, barter, exchange, trade, or import for sale or use, any venomous reptile
species without having first obtained a special permit or license from FWC.
Level Two violations are either second
1
or first degree
2
misdemeanor offenses, depending upon
the offender’s history of FWC offenses. Level Three violations are first degree misdemeanor
offenses and Level 4 violations are third degree felony offenses.
3
There is no reported Fiscal Impact from the bill. See Section V. Fiscal Impact.
1
A second degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to 60 days in the county jail and a $500 fine. Sections 775.082 and
775.083, F.S.
2
A first degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to 1 year in the county jail and a $1,000 fine. Sections 775.082 and
775.083, F.S.
3
A third degree felony is punishable by up to five years imprisonment and a $5,000 fine. Sections 775.082 and 775.083, F.S.
REVISED: BILL: SB 1266 Page 2
The bill becomes effective July 1, 2023.
II. Present Situation:
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is responsible for regulating,
managing, protecting, and conserving the state’s fish and wildlife resources.
4
FWC is governed
by a board of seven members who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Florida
Senate.
5
Under Article IV, Section 9 of the Florida Constitution, FWC has the authority to
exercise the regulatory and executive powers of the state with respect to wild animal life, fresh
water aquatic life, and marine life.
Nonnative Reptiles in Florida
Many nonnative species in Florida do not cause problems in the state, however some can become
invasive.
6
Invasive species are nonnative species that cause harm to the economy, environment,
or human health.
7
In many cases, invasive species may threaten native species, biodiversity,
ecosystem services, recreation, water resources, agricultural and forest production, cultural
resources, economies and property values, public safety, and infrastructure.
8
Nonnative reptiles in Florida include many species of crocodilians, turtles, snakes, geckos,
iguanas and relatives, monitors, skinks and girdled lizards, and whiptails and wall lizards.
9
Scientists estimated in 2015 that there were at least 63 established species of nonnative reptiles
and amphibians in Florida, including 48 species of lizards, 4 frogs, 5 turtles, 5 snakes, and 1
crocodilian.
10
Early invasive reptiles in Florida included small-bodied lizards and frogs that were early-
maturing insectivores and were strongly associated with people and disturbed habitats.
11
These
were mostly introduced through cargo and included the Cuban tree frog, brown anole, northern
curly-tailed lizard, and Mediterranean gecko. Newer invasive reptiles tend to be large-bodied
lizards and snakes. They are relatively early-maturing prolific breeders, are predators of
vertebrate prey, and they thrive in a wide range of habitats. These newer invasive reptiles were
mostly introduced through the pet trade and include the Burmese python, black spiny-tailed
iguana, Argentine black and white tegu, and Nile monitor.
12
4
FLA. CONST. art. IV, s. 9.
5
Id.; see also s. 379.102(1), F.S.
6
FWC, Florida’s Nonnative Fish and Wildlife, https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/ (last visited Mar. 31, 2023).
7
U.S. Forest Service, Invasive Species, https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/invasive-species (last visited Mar. 31, 2023).
8
Id.
9
FWC, Nonnative Reptiles, https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/reptiles/ (last visited Mar. 31, 2023).
10
Frank Mazzotti and Rebecca Harvey, The University of Florida’s Institute of Flood and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), The
Invasion of Exotic Reptiles and Amphibians in Florida, https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW365 (last visited Mar. 31,
2023).
11
Id.
12
Id. BILL: SB 1266 Page 3
Native Venomous Reptiles in Florida
There are six venomous reptiles – all snakes – native to Florida.
13
These snakes are the pygmy
rattlesnake, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, timber (or canebrake) rattlesnake, cottonmouth,
copperhead, and eastern coral snake. Distributions of these snakes in Florida are as follows:
• Cottonmouths and eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are found throughout the state;
• Pygmy rattlesnakes are distributed throughout the state except for the Florida Keys;
• Eastern coral snakes are found throughout the state except for the southern Keys; and
• Timber rattlesnakes and copperheads are only found in parts of the Panhandle.
14
Florida Regulations of Captive Reptiles
Under Florida statute, no person may capture, keep, possess, or exhibit any poisonous or
venomous reptile or reptile of concern without first having obtained a special permit or license
from FWC.
15
It is unlawful for any person, whether licensed 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. FWC may inspect venomous reptiles or reptiles of concern that are held in captivity
to determine whether they are safely and properly penned. If they are not safely and properly
penned, the situation must be corrected within 30 days or the violator risks license or permit
revocation.
The Florida statutes prohibits keeping, possessing, importing into the state, selling, bartering,
trading, or breeding the following species except for educational, research, eradication, or control
purposes:
• Burmese or Indian python (Python molurus),
• Reticulated python (Python reticulatus),
• Northern African python (Python sebae),
• Southern African python (Python natalensis),
• Amethystine or scrub python (Morelia amethystinus),
• Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus),
• Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus),
• Green iguana (Iguana iguana),
• Tegu lizard (any species of the genera Salvator or Tupinambis), and
• Any other reptile FWC designates as a conditional or prohibited species.
16
A person who holds a permit issued before July 1, 2010, to legally possess one of the species
listed above may possess such reptile for the remainder of its life.
17
If the reptile outlives the
person, the reptile may be legally transferred to another entity holding a permit authorizing
possession of the reptile for the remainder of its life.
18
13
University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Dealing with Snakes,
https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/venomous_snake_identification.shtml (last visited Mar. 31, 2023).
14
Id.
15
Section 379.372(1), F.S.
16
Section 379.372(2), F.S.
17
Id.
18
Id. BILL: SB 1266 Page 4
If FWC designates a species of reptile as a conditional or prohibited species after July 1, 2010,
FWC may authorize the personal possession of that newly designated species by those licensed
to possess it before the effective date of the species’ designation.
19
Currently, FWC does not list reptiles of concern, and former reptiles of concern have been listed
as prohibited species since April 29, 2021.
20
The conditional nonnative species list only contains
one reptile, the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans).
21
Venomous Reptile Permit
The venomous reptile permit issued by FWC authorizes personal possession and exhibition of
the venomous reptile family for which the permittee is approved.
22
The permit costs $100. To
qualify for a venomous reptile permit, an applicant must meet certain experience requirements,
must be at least 18 years old, and must not have been convicted of:
• A violation of captive wildlife regulations;
• A violation involving the illegal commercialization of wildlife;
• A violation involving cruelty to animals; or
• A violation involving importation of animals within three years of the date of application.
Applicants must also demonstrate no less than one year of substantial practical experience in the
care, feeding, handling, and husbandry of the species or other species within the same biological
family that are similar in characteristics and care to the species for which the permit is sought.
Applicants must also provide two references from individuals with firsthand knowledge of their
experience. The individuals must be licensed by FWC for venomous reptiles of the same family
for which the applicant is seeking authorization or must be a representative of a professional
organization or governmental institution which deals directly with venomous reptiles.
Additional permits are required for the importation of nonnative venomous reptiles and the sale
of all venomous reptiles.
23
Nonnative and Captive Wildlife Penalties
Level One Violations
A person commits a Level One violation if he or she violates any of the following provisions:
• FWC rules or orders requiring free permits or other authorizations to possess captive
wildlife;
• FWC rules or orders relating to the filing of reports or other documents required of persons
who are licensed to possess captive wildlife; or
19
Id.
20
FWC, Reptiles of Concern, https://myfwc.com/license/captive-wildlife/reptiles-of-concern/ (last visited Mar. 31, 2023).
21
FWC, Conditional Nonnative Species List, https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/conditional-species-list/ (last
visited Mar. 31, 2023).
22
FWC, Venomous Reptile Fact Sheet, 1 (2023) (On file with the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources).
23
Id. BILL: SB 1266 Page 5
• FWC rules or orders requiring permits to possess captive wildlife for which a fee is charged,
when the person being charged was issued the permit and it expired less than 1 year prior to
the violation.
24
Any person cited for a Level One violation commits a noncriminal infraction and shall be cited
to appear before county court. The violator will be fined $50 if he or she has not previously been
found guilty of a Level One violation and $250 if he or she has previously been found guilty of a
Level One violation.
25
Level Two Violations
A person commits a Level Two violation if he or she violates any of the following provisions:
• Unless otherwise stated under Level One violations, FWC rules or orders that require a
person to pay a fee to obtain a permit to possess captive wildlife or that require the
maintenance of records relating to captive wildlife;
• FWC rules or orders relating to captive wildlife not specified under Level One or Level
Three violations;
• FWC rules or orders that require housing of wildlife in a safe manner when a violation results
in an escape of wildlife other than Class I wildlife;
26
• FWC rules or orders relating to either conditional species or prohibited species;
• Section 379.372, F.S., relating to capturing, keeping, possessing, transporting, or exhibiting
venomous reptiles, reptiles of concern, conditional reptiles, or prohibited reptiles;
• Section 379.373, F.S., relating to requiring a license or permit to capture, keep, possess, or
exhibit venomous reptiles or reptiles of concern;
• Section 379.374, F.S., relating to bonding requirements for public exhibits of venomous
reptiles;
• Section 379.305, F.S., relating to FWC rules and regulations preventing the escape of
venomous reptiles or reptiles of concern;
• Sections 379.304 or 379.3761, F.S., relating to the exhibition or sale of wildlife; or
• Section 379.3762, F.S., relating to personal possession of wildlife.
27
24
Section 379.4015(1), F.S.
25
Id.
26
Class I wildlife is a defined list of species that present a real or potential threat to human safety. Possession of Class I
wildlife requires a license and species may not be possessed as a personal pet. There are substantial experience, cage, and
proof of commercial activity requirements that must be met before a license to possess Class I wildlife will be issued. FWC,
Class I Wildlife, https://myfwc.com/license/captive-wildlife/class-i/ (last visited Mar. 31, 2023).
27
Section 379.4015(2), F.S. A Level Two violation is punishable as either a second degree misdemeanor or a first degree
misdemeanor, depending upon the offender’s history of FWC offenses. A second degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to
60 days in the county jail and a $500 fine; a first degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to 1 year in the county jail and a
$1,000 fine. Sections 775.082 and 775.083, F.S. BILL: SB 1266 Page 6
Level Two Violation Degree of Offense
Fine or
Incarceration
License Restrictions
Has not been
convicted of a Level
Two (or higher)
violation within the
past three years
2
nd
Degree
Misdemeanor
Max: $500 or
Max: 60 days
None
Convicted of a Level
Two violation within
three years of a
previous conviction
of a Level Two (or
higher) violation
1
st
Degree
Misdemeanor
Mandatory Min:
$250; Max: $1,000
Max: one year
None
Convicted of a Level
Two (or higher)
violation within five
years of any two
previous convictions
of Level Two (or
higher) violations
1
st
Degree
Misdemeanor
Mandatory Min:
$500; Max: $1,000
Max: one year
Suspension of license
for one year
Convicted of a Level
Two violation within
ten years of any three
previous convictions
of Level Two (or
higher) violations
1
st
Degree
Misdemeanor
Mandatory Min:
$750; Max: $1,000
Max: one year
Suspension of license
for three years
In addition to the above penalties, a person who commits a Level Two violation that is a
violation of s. 379.372, F.S., relating to capturing, keeping, possessing, transporting, or
exhibiting venomous reptiles, reptiles of concern, conditional reptiles, or prohibited reptiles, or
rules or orders relating to wild animals identified as conditional or prohibited shall receive a
minimum mandatory fine of $100 and immediately surrender the wildlife for which the violation
was issued unless the person lawfully obtains a permit for possession.
28
Level Three Violations
A person commits a Level Three violation if he or she violates any of the following provisions:
• FWC rules or orders that require housing of wildlife in a safe manner when a violation results
in an escape of Class I wildlife;
• FWC rules or orders related to captive wildlife when the violation results in serious bodily
injury to another person by captive wildlife consisting of substantial risk of death, serious
personal disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily
member or organ;
28
Id. BILL: SB 1266 Page 7
• FWC rules or orders relating to the use of gasoline or other chemical or gaseous substances
on wildlife;
• FWC rules or orders prohibiting the release of wildlife for which only conditional possession
is allowed;
• FWC rules or orders prohibiting knowingly entering false information on an application for a
license or permit to possess wildlife in captivity;
• FWC rules or orders relating to the illegal importation and possession of nonnative marine
plants and animals;
• FWC rules or orders relating to the importation, possession, or release of fish and wildlife for
which possession is prohibited;
• Section 379.231, F.S., relating to illegal importation or release of nonnative wildlife; or
• Section 379.305, F.S., relating to release or escape of nonnative venomous reptiles or reptiles
of concern.
29
Level Three
Violation
Degree of Offense Fine or Incarceration
License
Restrictions
Has not been
convicted of a Level
Three (or higher)
violation within the
past 10 years
1
st
Degree
Misdemeanor
Max: $1,000
Max: one year
None
Convicted of a Level
Three violation within
ten years of a
previous conviction of
a Level Three (or
higher) violation
1
st
Degree
Misdemeanor
Mandatory Min: $750;
Max: $1,000
Max: one year
Permanent
revocation of
license or permit
Level Four Violations
A person commits a Level Four violation if he or she violates any Level Three provision after the
permanent revocation of a license or permit.
30
A Level Four violation is a third degree felony,
punishable by a fine of no more than $5,000 or no more than five years imprisonment.
31
Civil Penalties
In addition to other applicable penalties, FWC may impose a civil penalty of not more than
$5,000 for each animal, unless otherwise authorized.
32
For all related violations attributable to
each specific violator, the total civil penalty may not exceed $10,000 for each assessment for
each animal. In determining the amount of the civil penalty, FWC may consider:
• A violator’s history of noncompliance for any previous violation of ch. 379, F.S., relating to
FWC, or FWC rules or orders;
• The direct economic benefit gained by the violator from the violation; and
29
Section 379.4015(3), F.S.
30
Section 379.4015(4), F.S.
31
Sections 775.082 and 775.083, F.S.
32
Section 379.4015(6), F.S. BILL: SB 1266 Page 8
• The costs incurred by FWC related to the escape, recovery, and care of the wildlife for which
the violation was issued.
The civil penalty assessed for a violation may not exceed $5,000 for each animal unless:
• The violator has a history of noncompliance;
• The economic benefit of the violation exceeds $5,000; or
• The costs incurred by FWC related to the escape, recovery, and care of the wildlife for which
the violation was issued exceeds $5,000.
33
III. Effect of Proposed Changes:
The bill amends s. 379.4015, F.S., to remove venomous reptiles from certain Level Two
violations relating to the safe housing of wildlife, and remove venomous reptiles from the Level
Three violation set forth in s. 379.305(2), F.S., relating to the knowing release of or allowing the
escape of, through gross negligence, a nonnative venomous reptile or reptile of concern. The
remaining offense relating only to nonnative reptiles of concern is punishable as a first degree
misdemeanor.
34
The bill amends s. 379.4015, F.S., providing that a person commits a Level Three first degree
misdemeanor violation if he or she violates FWC rules or orders that require housing wildlife in
a safe manner when a violation results in the escape of venomous reptiles.
35
The bill amends s. 379.4015, F.S., to provide that a person commits a Level Three, first degree
misdemeanor violation if he or she violates s. 379.305, F.S., only relating to release or escape of
nonnative reptiles of concern, removing venomous reptiles.
36
The bill amends s. 379.4015, F.S., to add that a person commits a third degree felony Level Four
violation if he or she violates s. 379.305(3), F.S., relating to release or escape of venomous
reptiles, or s. 379.305(4), F.S., relating to purchase, sale, attempt to sell, offer for sale,
conspiracy to sell, barter, exchange, trade, or import for sale or use of any species of venomous
reptile.
37
The bill amends s. 379.305, F.S., to create a Level Four third degree felony violation for
knowingly releasing a venomous reptile or, through gross negligence, allowing a venomous
reptile to escape. The offense is punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a $5,000 fine.
38
The bill amends s. 379.305, F.S., to create a Level 4 third degree felony if a person knowingly
purchases, sells, attempts to sell, offers to sell, conspires to sell, barters, exchanges, trades, or
33
Id.
34
A first degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to 1 year in the county jail and a $1,000 fine. Sections 775.082 and
775.083, F.S.
35
A first degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to 1 year in the county jail and a $1,000 fine. Sections 775.082 and
775.083, F.S.
36
A first degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to 1 year in the county jail and a $1,000 fine. Sections 775.082 and
775.083, F.S.
37
A Level Four violation is a third degree felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a $5,000 fine. Sections
775.082 and 775.083, F.S.; and section 379.4015(4), F.S.
38
Sections 775.082 and 775.083, F.S.; and section 379.4015, F.S. BILL: SB 1266 Page 9
imports for sale or use, any venomous reptile species without having first obtained a special
permit or license from the FWC.
39
The bill becomes effective July 1, 2023.
IV. Constitutional Issues:
A. Municipality/County Mandates Restrictions:
None.
B. Public Records/Open Meetings Issues:
None.
C. Trust Funds Restrictions:
None.
D. State Tax or Fee Increases:
None.
E. Other Constitutional Issues:
None identified.
V. Fiscal Impact Statement:
A. Tax/Fee Issues:
None.
B. Private Sector Impact:
None.
C. Government Sector Impact:
None reported by the FWC in the Agency Legislative Bill Analysis provided on March 3,
2023.
40
VI. Technical Deficiencies:
None.
39
Punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a $5,000 fine. Sections 775.082 and 775.083, F.S.; and section 379.4015,
F.S.
40
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2023 Agency Legislative Bill Analysis, March 3, 2023. BILL: SB 1266 Page 10
VII. Related Issues:
None.
VIII. Statutes Affected:
This bill substantially amends the following sections of the Florida Statutes: 379.305 and
379.4015.
IX. Additional Information:
A. Committee Substitute – Statement of Changes:
(Summarizing differences between the Committee Substitute and the prior version of the bill.)
None.
B. Amendments:
None.
This Senate Bill Analysis does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill’s introducer or the Florida Senate.