We are asking reptile keepers to oppose agenda items: 11A on Wildlife Trapping and 11B on Listing of the Reef gecko at the upcoming Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) meeting, Nov. 5-6. 

See meeting agenda and full rule language here:

https://myfwc.com/about/commission/commission-meetings/november-2025/

These items have negative impacts on reptile keepers as well as nonnative animal trappers, collectors, and scientific researchers that deal with reptiles and amphibians. 

Item 11A on Wildlife Trapping imposes stringent regulatory requirements on people who wish to trap reptiles and amphibians (including nonnative species) for removal or research. Under the language of this rule, common capture devices like nooses or catch poles would be included as traps. Trapping would require a training course and a special permit from FWC. Permit holders would be required to label traps as well as report all captures and locations to FWC. Under the language of this rule package, most reptile trapping and research methods would become illegal or extremely difficult due to the onerous red tape.

In the short term, we are asking that reptiles and amphibians be exempted from this rule.

Item 11B is the State Listing of the Reef gecko as “Threatened,” which will likely result in a near complete ban on keeping and breeding these lizards. 

Like the Cuban treefrog and Brown anole, Florida’s Reef geckos descend from populations in the West Indies. The exact time of their invasion into Florida is not known. Protection of a species not known to be native to Florida would be an unusual and unprecedented step for FWC. 

Possession, breeding, and sale of state-protected species (including non-listed species that have possession limits) should be allowed with proof of origin. This would NOT allow for collection from the wild within Florida.

Habitat loss is the primary threat to this species within Florida. Limiting captive breeding is counterproductive to its continued survival. 

We ask that FWC allow possession, breeding, and sale of state-listed species (that are not Federally-listed) and state-protected species (including non-listed species that have possession limits) with proof of legal origin. If animals are purchased from out of state from a legal source, a receipt documenting the source should be available for inspection by FWC. If animals are bred in captivity, the history of those animals and chain of custody from a legal source should be documented.

Submit your written comments here: https://myfwc.wufoo.com/forms/zpc004t0nx1lci/

Email the FWC Commissioners: commissioners@myfwc.com

NOTE: To clear up any confusion on Item 6B, FWC's Proposed rule language makes an exception to requirement of concrete or masonry block construction on outdoor caging for Green iguanas.