Florida Administrative Code
68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
68A - Freshwater Fish and Wildlife
Chapter 68A-6 - CAPTIVE WILDLIFE
Section 68A-6.013 - Exceptions to Standard Caging Requirements for Captive Wildlife

(1) For transport and for performing and non-performing animals as specified in Rule 68A-6.014 and 68A-6.015, F.A.C.

(2) Wildlife being held for sale by those persons properly licensed pursuant to Section 379.3761 or 379.3711, F.S., or for veterinary care, or quarantine may be temporarily housed or caged in smaller cages or enclosures for a period not to exceed 60 days. With written notification to the Commission, this period may be extended in circumstances where a licensed veterinarian has certified that a longer holding period is medically necessary in the interests of the health, safety and welfare of the subject animals or the public. Medical records concerning all animals for which an extension of the 60-day period is obtained shall be maintained at the facility and shall be made available for inspection, upon request, by Commission personnel. The caging or enclosure of all wildlife temporarily held under this section shall not be smaller than that required for the caged animal to stand up, lie down, and turn around without touching the sides of the enclosure or another animal. All wildlife thus caged or housed shall be permanently marked or their enclosures shall be permanently marked, so as to be traceable to written records indicating the date the wildlife was placed in temporary holding. Such records shall be maintained and made available for inspection by Commission personnel. Commission personnel shall direct dealers to mark wildlife temporarily if, upon inspection, there is no record indicating the date the wildlife was placed in temporary holding.

(3) The standard caging requirements, as defined in this chapter, except for the fencing requirements, shall not apply to facilities possessing ratites (ostriches, rheas, emus, and cassowaries) for propagation purposes only and not for public exhibition or as personal pets. Facilities possessing bison for propagation purposes only and not for public exhibition or as personal pets are exempt from the standard caging requirements, as defined in this chapter.

(4) Newborn and juvenile mammals may be temporarily kept in enclosures below the standard caging requirements and are exempted from the facility requirements of paragraphs 68A-6.010(5)(a) -(b), F.A.C., and structural strength requirements, Rule 68A-6.011, F.A.C., as follows:

(5) Hatchling/fledgling birds and newborn reptiles and amphibians may be held in enclosures that allow for normal postural movements and social adjustments that ensure the health and sanitary needs of the animals.

(6) Birds held temporarily for exhibit only and not for sale may be kept in show cages or enclosures for a maximum of three (3) days, provided that, such birds have sufficient space for perching without touching the sides, top, or bottom of the cage and the health and sanitary needs of the birds are met. Water shall be available in the show cages at all times.

(7) Reptiles and amphibians held temporarily for herptile shows, expositions, and exhibits may be kept for a maximum of three (3) days in enclosures that allow for normal postural movements and social adjustments and that ensure the health and sanitary needs of the animals.

(8) Cages or enclosures for mobility-impaired animals shall meet standard caging requirements, unless it can be demonstrated that such cage or enclosure, or its required accessories, are detrimental to the health or welfare of the animal. In such cases, written documentation by a veterinarian confirming the need for such exemption shall be maintained by the permittee and made available to Commission employees upon request.

(9) For animals held at exotic animal auctions, flea markets, and animal swap meets, said animals may be kept in enclosures that meet the size requirements of subsection (2), provided that such wildlife is maintained in accordance with paragraphs (9)(a)-(g), below. The owner of said wildlife shall be responsible for the welfare of such animals, unless such wildlife is consigned to an auctioneer or other sales representative, at which time the consignee shall be responsible.