The United States Association of Reptile Keepers-Florida (USARK FL) opposes the proposed rule to list the Florida Reef gecko as a State Threatened Species in the current form that it is being presented by FWC staff to the Commission. We are neither disputing nor agreeing with the need for protection, but we oppose the listing due to its impact on captive populations. This species should be preserved in the wild and in captivity for the future. We do not believe the current proposal accomplishes that goal. In Florida, the Reef gecko is primarily threatened by habitat destruction and rising sea level. Provisions in staff’s proposal that ban the keeping and captive breeding of the Florida reef gecko are irrelevant to its continued survival in the wild.

USARK FL has previously submitted our comment to FWC that possession, breeding, and sale of state-listed species and state-protected species (including non-listed species that have possession limits) should be allowed with proof of legal origin. If animals are purchased from a legal source, a receipt documenting the source must 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 must be documented. This does NOT allow for collection from the wild within Florida. Candidate Species should not be restricted until their actual listing process is complete. 

The proposed listing of the Reef gecko has come before the FWC Commissioners at multiple meetings. Reptile keepers have made public comments at each of these meetings opposing a captive ban. In each of these instances, Commissioners have directed staff to work with the reptile industry and consider our input. 

Unfortunately, we believe our request for an allowance of keeping and captive breeding written into rule has been addressed in a manner that is confusing, and at odds with current taxonomy. Since the last Commission meeting, reptile keepers have met with staff in the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation (HSC) twice. In the first meeting, staff presented the idea that FWC would only enforce the ban on the subspecies of Reef gecko which is endemic to Florida, the Florida Reef gecko (Sphaerodactylus notatus notatus). We presented our concern that this subspecies is not universally accepted and is very difficult to differentiate from other subspecies. Staff agreed and further asserted that unless a specimen possessed was specifically-labeled as a Florida Reef gecko (Sphaerodactylus notatus notatus), FWC would not take enforcement action. For instance, if specimens were labeled simply as Reef geckos (Sphaerodactylus notatus), FWC would not take enforcement action. We believe this would be a novel approach by FWC law enforcement which would be different from interpretations of rule that we have seen in the past.  We have significant concerns as to how this can be enforced.

For the second meeting, we had hoped that FWC staff would come back to us with changes to the proposed language of the rule accommodating our requests. Unfortunately, we were told that no changes were being made to the rule as written. FWC said that listing of this was necessary to gather data on the species and that they did not think that possession of the Florida Reef gecko with receipts documenting the origin of captive specimens was sufficient to prove a legal chain of custody.

USARK FL has a stated goal of protecting diversity of species within the reptile industry while also maintaining captive populations of sensitive species as assurance colonies in case wild populations disappear. We have clearly expressed our desire for FWC to avoid “gray areas” in rules that are subject to varied interpretation. We are striving for policies on paper rather than assurances from people who may or may not even be part of FWC in the near future. We believe that FWC’s proposed rule on the Florida Reef gecko accomplishes none of these goals. 

We do want to acknowledge and appreciate the effort that FWC has put in in an effort to find an acceptable solution. Further, we appreciate that they have acknowledged that the Florida reef gecko may be determined to be non-native in the future, and their documents clearly state that if this is found to be the case, then protections will be eliminated. In spite of our mutual attempt to find common ground, we cannot support the proposed changes. Rather than give up the ability to work with this rare and unique species, we would prefer a solution that allows us to continue to contribute to the body of knowledge on this gecko.

We do not believe that habitat loss and the ability to collect data is valid justification for a captive ban. Therefore, USARK Florida is opposing the rule as written. We once again ask that Commissioners table this issue until staff makes a genuine effort to incorporate the input of reptile keepers into the written rule. 

The proposed Reef gecko rule is Item 9.C. on the agenda for next week's FWC meeting (Feb. 4-5) in Tallahassee.

https://myfwc.com/about/commission/commission-meetings/february-2026/

Members of the public may email the FWC Commissioners commissioners@myfwc.com or give public comment in person at the meeting. 

“Motley” Corn Snake, a Captive Bred Morph of the Corn Snake, a Popular Pet and Native Florida Species. Photo by Daniel Parker, who grants permission for this photo to be reprinted for media purposes

FWC Reptile and Amphibian Working Group Holds First Meeting

Reptile keepers and representatives of USARK FL met with staff from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on January 13, 2025 as part of the newly formed Reptile and Amphibian Working Group. USARK Florida requested the formation of this group as a step toward improved dialogue between FWC and the reptile community.

During the discussion, reptile keepers outlined a series of priority issues where they believe improvements or collaboration are urgently needed. These included allowing albino and leucistic color morphs across species, reforming licensing rules viewed as overly punitive, and clarifying authorization for ESA (Endangered Species Act) listed species. Keepers also raised concerns about the need for transport permits for prohibited species.

Reptile keepers have complained that many existing rules no longer reflect current realities of captive breeding, private property rights, or interstate commerce, and in some cases place Florida businesses at a competitive disadvantage.

USARK FL President Elizabeth Wisneski stressed the importance of continued cooperation, emphasizing that constructive engagement is essential for both responsible animal keeping and effective wildlife management. “This is about Florida’s future,” said Wisneski. 

Meeting participants expressed cautious optimism that collaborative solutions can be developed in the months ahead. “We have a mandate from FWC leadership and Florida’s reptile keepers to create positive change and we believe that should happen in short order,” said USARK FL Director of Media Daniel Parker. 

About USARK Florida:

The United States Association of Reptile Keepers Florida (USARK FL) emphasizes the responsible keeping, conservation, and welfare of reptiles and amphibians through education, advocacy, and best practices, while fostering collaboration among stakeholders to address essential conservation and husbandry issues. For more information about USARK Florida and to stay updated on ongoing advocacy efforts, please visit usarkfl.net

For more information on this topic, or to schedule an interview, please contact Daniel Parker, USARK FL Director of Media, at 863-441-5067 or email media@usarkfl.net. Daniel Parker grants permission for all photos in this release to be reprinted for media purposes. 

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.

Review the new FWC rule changes on Prohibited Species at:

https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/proposed-rule-change/

We are currently working on changes to caging regs, which will come up at the FWC Commission Meeting in Clewiston Nov. 5-6, 2025. 

For more information on proposed caging changes and to provide feedback, go to this link:
https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/rule-changes/

"The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has proposed to list the southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus), as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). FWS has found that the southern hognose faces serious threats from habitat loss and degradation as a result of land conversion and fragmentation causing loss of connectivity between populations, road mortality, invasive species (red ants, feral hogs, and cogongrass), and climate change."

https://usark.org/25esa3/

A 60-day comment period begins on August 29, 2025.

Comment and get full details at https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2025-16688/endangered-and-threatened-species-status-with-section-4d-rule-for-southern-hognose-snake.

The document is posted at https://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/25-western-hognose-esa.pdf.

For more information, contact Christy Johnson-Hughes, Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, South Carolina Ecological Services Field Office; 843–727–4707; christy_johnsonhughes@fws.gov

While Southern hognose snakes are currently bred in small numbers by private breeders, zoos are not known to breed them. Conservation strategies should include responsible breeding programs, along with habitat preservation.

USARK Florida Condemns Animal Cruelty in Storage Unit Incident, Reaffirms Commitment to Responsible Reptile Care

Osceola County, Florida – The United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK) Florida condemns the inhumane treatment of 111 African fat-tailed geckos found abandoned in a storage unit in Osceola County in November 2023. Tragically, 41 of these geckos were found dead due to neglect, and the surviving animals were left without food or water for a significant period of time. These animals were discovered when employees of the storage facility unlocked the unit after it had been sealed due to nonpayment.

Storage unit in Osceola County, FL where geckos were abandoned. Photo by Daniel Parker, who grants permission for this photo to be reprinted

USARK Florida was first tipped off to this case by a concerned citizen, and we have been closely following the situation for nearly two years. Throughout this time, we offered our support to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in placing the surviving animals into proper care, as we have done in past situations to help avoid unnecessary euthanasia. We are pleased that, thanks to the diligent work of FWC investigators, the surviving geckos have been placed in suitable care, ensuring a better future for them.

African Fat-tailed gecko. These lizards are known for their gentle disposition and ease of care. Photo by Dakota Nivens, who grants permission for this photo to be reprinted

About African Fat-Tailed Geckos
African fat-tailed geckos are among the most popular pet lizards due to their calm, docile disposition and ease of care. They rarely, if ever, bite, making them ideal companions for both new and experienced reptile keepers. With proper care, African fat-tailed geckos can live 10 to 15 years, though some have been known to live even longer. Ideally, they should be provided with a thermal gradient in their enclosure, a natural light cycle, and a varied diet of readily available feeder insects. Despite the fact that they inhabit arid or semi-arid environments in the wild, clean drinking water should always be available in their permanent housing. The “fat tail” holds fat reserves, which allow these geckos to survive periods of food scarcity in their harsh natural environment. These geckos are known for their gentle nature and can make wonderful pets when cared for responsibly.

We also applaud the diligent work of FWC investigators, which led to the identification and arrest of Kelvin E. Soto, who held an expired license from FWC to exhibit and sell animals. Soto was charged with felony animal cruelty and confinement of animals without food or water. He pleaded guilty in August 2024, and his sentence includes four years of supervised probation, 100 hours of community service, and a lifetime ban on possessing animals. Soto is also required to pay over $5,000 in restitution for the care of the surviving geckos. We support FWC’s actions in this case.

USARK Florida wants to make it clear that the actions of Soto in no way reflect the practices of responsible reptile keepers. The overwhelming majority of reptile owners treat these animals with the utmost care and respect, often viewing them as beloved members of their families. This tragic incident is not a reflection of the reptile community as a whole, but rather the actions of a single individual who failed to meet even the most basic standards of animal care.

Storage unit in Osceola County, FL where geckos were abandoned. Photo by Daniel Parker, who grants permission for this photo to be reprinted

"This case serves as a painful reminder of the importance of responsible animal ownership and the need for accountability when those responsibilities are ignored," said USARK Florida President Elizabeth Wisneski. "We stand with the vast majority of reptile keepers who prioritize the humane treatment of their animals. We strongly condemn anyone who would neglect or mistreat reptiles as was done in this case. It is important to distinguish between those who harm animals and those who care for them responsibly."

African Fat-tailed Gecko. The “fat tail” holds fat reserves which allow this gecko to survive periods of food scarcity in their harsh wild environment. Photo by Dakota Nivens, who grants permission for this photo to be reprinted

USARK Florida remains committed to promoting education and best practices for reptile care and encourages the public to report instances of neglect or abuse. We are dedicated to ensuring that all reptiles are treated with the respect they deserve.

About USARK Florida:

The United States Association of Reptile Keepers Florida (USARK FL) emphasizes the responsible keeping, conservation, and welfare of reptiles and amphibians through education, advocacy, and best practices, while fostering collaboration among stakeholders to address essential conservation and husbandry issues. For more information about USARK Florida and to stay updated on ongoing advocacy efforts, please visit usarkfl.net

For more information on this topic, or to schedule an interview, please contact Daniel Parker, USARK FL Director of Media, at 863-441-5067 or email media@usarkfl.net. Daniel Parker and Dakota Nivens grant permission for all photos in this release to be reprinted for media purposes. 

For more information, please contact:
Daniel Parker
Email: media@usarkfl.net
Phone: 863-441-5056
Website: usarkfl.net

The next FWC Commission meeting will be held Aug 13-14 in Havana, FL. 

Items of interest:

Consent Agenda
Proposed Final Rule – Federal Consistency for 3 species. Staff seek approval to update Florida Endangered and Threatened Species List to maintain consistency with federal listing determinations for 3 species. Two species, the Barbour’s map turtle (currently State-designated Threatened) and Escambia map turtle (currently not listed) will be updated to Federally-designated Threatened due to Similarity of Appearance. The Suwannee alligator snapping turtle (currently State-designated Threatened) will be updated to Federally-designated Threatened. 
NO PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT AGENDA

Awards and Recognition
Florida Python Challenge

Items Requiring Action
Final Rules–Florida Black Bear Hunt. Staff will present the final amendments to hunting rules that establish bear hunt structure.

Listing Evaluation for Holbrook’s Southern Dusky Salamander and Alligator Gar. Staff will recommend listing the alligator gar and southern dusky salamander as State Threatened, and present proposed rule to add these species to the list of candidate species in 68A-27.0021 F.A.C. 

NOTE: Dusky salamanders are kept as pets and occur in trade. FWC has not sought input from keepers on this species. If approved as a candidate species, take will be immediately banned with no further public input. FWC has set a precedent for excercising extreme power on candidate species, which could easily be used in the future to ban more commonly-kept native species. No additional habitat protections are inherent to state listing. 

FWC has cancelled public comment on "Items Not on the Agenda," which is typically held at the end of the meeting. This continues a pattern of stifling public discourse, like their policy of deleting negative comments on social media.

See meeting agenda:
https://myfwc.com/about/commission/commission-meetings/august-2025/

USARK FL Applauds FWC Rule Changes, 

Urges Further Action on Nonnative Species

Green Iguana in the wild in Monroe County, Florida. Photo by Daniel Parker. Daniel Parker grants permission for this photo to be reprinted for media purposes

Florida – United States Association of Reptile Keepers-Florida (USARK FL) commends the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for their recent vote on May 21 to approve rule changes to allow more nonnative Green iguanas to be removed from the wild in Florida. The Commission’s action will allow more citizens to be permitted to capture live iguanas for sale out of state. While this marks a significant step toward improved management of iguanas, critical gaps remain that require urgent attention.

Prior to the FWC’s implementation of Prohibited Species rules in 2021, reptile businesses in Florida removed hundreds of thousands of nonnative iguanas from the wild annually. However, once the FWC's prohibition took effect, iguana populations began to surge.

Green Iguanas in the wild in Broward County, Florida. Photo by Daniel Parker. Daniel Parker grants permission for this photo to be reprinted for media purposes

Under the guidance of new FWC Executive Director Roger Young, some proposed reforms of nonnative species rules have now come to fruition. "We have worked very hard with FWC to create rule changes which will allow more people to remove nonnative species," says USARK Florida President Elizabeth Wisneski. "This will benefit Florida’s environment and our small businesses."

However, she believes that the changes still don’t go far enough. “FWC must reform caging regulations to make it economically feasible for businesses to be able to house iguanas,” said Wisneski. “FWC has not taken action on allowing the collection of eggs. They have also not considered allowing the removal of tegus, which are nonnative lizards that we are concerned about impacting Florida’s environment in the future.”

While the approved rule changes represent progress, USARK Florida urges immediate attention to the pressing issues of caging, egg collection, and the collection of tegus to safeguard Florida’s environment.

About USARK Florida:

The United States Association of Reptile Keepers Florida (USARK FL) emphasizes the responsible keeping, conservation, and welfare of reptiles and amphibians through education, advocacy, and best practices, while fostering collaboration among stakeholders to address essential conservation and husbandry issues. For more information about USARK Florida and to stay updated on ongoing advocacy efforts, please visit usarkfl.net

FWC Rules Promote Expansion of Nonnative Iguana and Tegu Populations

Argentine Black and White Tegu- Photo by Travis de Lagerheim

(Travis de Lagerheim grants permission for this photo to be reprinted and distributed for publication)

Since the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) listed Green iguanas, tegus, and Burmese pythons as “Prohibited Species” in 2021, banning live collection of these species from the wild in Florida, populations of those species have continued to expand. FWC’s restrictive Conditional Species rules, which were already in place at the time, had virtually eliminated the keeping of listed species as pets, but still allowed removal from the wild. Because of the Prohibited Species rules, most wild collection and export of the affected nonnative species ceased.  

FWC never provided scientific justification that banning the collection, keeping, and sale of these species would reduce their wild populations in Florida. We can see now that it has had the opposite effect, while at the same time leading to the confiscation and killing of numerous pet reptiles. In the grizzly “Holy Thursday Massacre” event on April 6th, 2023, FWC officers were caught on camera killing over 30 pythons and a legally-owned pregnant Boa constrictor, which they apparently misidentified.

Before the ban, reptile businesses were exporting hundreds of thousands of Green iguanas from the state. Most of these were freshly-hatched babies. In 2021, most of that collection and export ceased. 

FWC staff recently proposed changes to rules regarding the management of Green iguanas and tegus. In a series of virtual meetings, FWC staff indicated that the objective of these changes is to activate more citizens to remove these nonnative species from the wild. However, the general feeling amongst the reptile keepers and business owners who commented was that, though some of the proposed changes were a step in the right direction, the regulations are still convoluted to the point of discouraging collection of wild iguanas and tegus.

FWC’s proposal will allow certain businesses who qualify to be permitted to sell and export Green iguanas out of state. Collectors may not sell or export the iguanas they catch on their own, but may be compensated by commercial permit holders in exchange for their animals. No new commercial permits will be issued for tegus and non permitted individuals may not collect tegus. Black and White tegus are currently an emerging nonnative species in Florida. Tegus are not nearly as common as Green iguanas in the wild at this time, but it is believed that they have the potential to expand their range in Florida. FWC is taking no new measures to allow expanded take of wild tegus in Florida. 

Permitted sellers of tegus will continue to be required to microchip all lizards taken in from the wild and exported, even if these animals are only kept for a short period of time within Florida. Reptile keepers believe that microchipping is hazardous to the health of the lizards, especially the babies. 

Baby Green Iguana from Broward County, FL- Photo by Daniel Parker

(Daniel Parker grants permission for this photo to be reprinted and distributed for publication)

Excessive caging requirements requiring concrete block enclosures will remain in effect, which will continue to ensure that few keepers or businesses can participate. 

These rules require that any eggs laid or found be destroyed, thus removing any profit motive for collectors targeting nests or gravid female lizards. FWC’s rules will actually incentivize collectors to leave gravid females and nests so that they can hatch in the wild and the babies can be collected after hatching.

The FWC Commissioners will meet May 21-22 in Ocala, FL. At this meeting, FWC staff is expected to present rule changes affecting Nonnative Species. 

Reptile keepers and conservationists are concerned that bureaucratic red tape will continue to discourage efforts to reduce wild populations of these nonnative species. Unless FWC is willing to consider more rule changes, especially concerning caging, microchipping, and further increasing the number of permit holders, collection of Green iguanas and tegus from the wild will not be economically feasible on a large scale, which will continue to allow wild populations of these nonnative species to continue to propagate and expand. 

For more info, please see this video on USARK FL’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/M8G4JdZp_C4?si=Vkpck35Je7hEtb3K

For more information on this topic, or to schedule an interview, please contact Daniel Parker, USARK FL Director of Media, at 863-441-5067 or email media@usarkfl.net. 

Please participate in upcoming virtual meetings Information on the changes can be found in the link below below.

https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/proposed-rule-change/?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=campaign

USARK Florida has been in talks with leadership from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on proposed changes to rules affecting Green Iguanas and Tegus in Florida. FWC is considering expanding the abilities of collectors to take wild Green iguanas and Tegus for sale and export.

Reptile keepers in Florida have requested a program that removes the onerous red tape currently found in FWC rules to create a system that allows for easy capture, transport, sale, and export of these nonnative lizards from the wild in Florida. The rules should be easy to understand and allow opportunities for anyone from the general public to participate. The current Prohibited Species rules have led to population expansions of affected species by preventing their capture out of the wild. It is important to include Tegus in this program, especially considering that wild Tegu populations in Florida are still at lower levels than iguanas and could be more susceptible to impact by collection at this time. Waiting for Tegu populations to further expand before taking measures to combat their spread makes no sense.

Please participate in the upcoming virtual meetings to give input.

From FWC:
FWC seeking feedback on proposed rule changes for nonnnative species

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking feedback from all interested parties on proposed rule change concepts relating to nonnative species. A series of virtual public meetings will be held March 25-29, 2025, to provide the public with information on these concepts and to solicit feedback. Topics discussed will include qualifications for permits to sell green iguanas collected from the wild in Florida, transfer of Prohibited species sales permits, transfer allowances for captured green iguanas, and batch marking wild-caught green iguanas. Other proposed changes that will be discussed include Prohibited species pet permit renewals, caging requirements for juvenile green iguanas or tegus, options for FWC Law Enforcement placement of Prohibited species, and clarification on disallowing importation of Conditional or Prohibited species into Florida for personal use.

Virtual Public Meeting Series #1: The first series of virtual public meetings will cover permit qualifications for sales of wild-caught green iguanas, transfer of sales permits, transfer allowances for captured green iguanas, and batch marking of green iguanas. Content covered in all series 1 meetings is identical and it is not necessary to attend more than one virtual public meeting within the same series. This series will be held on the following dates and times:

Tuesday, March 25, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. EST
Wednesday, March 26, 6-8 p.m. EST
Saturday, March 29, 1-3 p.m. EST

Virtual Public Meeting Series #2: The second series of virtual public meetings will cover renewals of Prohibited species pet permits, caging requirements for juvenile tegus and green iguanas, placement options for Prohibited species by FWC Law Enforcement, and clarification on importation of Conditional and Prohibited species for personal use. The content covered in all series 2 meetings is identical and it is not necessary to attend more than one virtual public meeting within the same series. This series will be held on the following dates and times:

Thursday, March 27, 1-3 p.m. EST
Thursday, March 27, 6-8 p.m. EST
Saturday, March 29, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. EST

The virtual public meetings can be joined via Zoom link. No prior registration is necessary. To learn more about the proposed rule change concepts for nonnative species and the virtual public meetings, please go to Proposed Rule Changes for Nonnative Species | FWC . Comments regarding these topics can be submitted through the Nonnative Species Rule Making Comments form or via email at NonnativeSpeciesRules@MyFWC.com.