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United States Association of Reptile Keepers, Florida

Florida Iguana Ban (HB1033)

Friday, December 29, 2023 12:00 PM | USARK FL (Administrator)

Photo of Cuban Rock Iguana (Cyclura nubila) by Travis deLagerheim @travisaurusrex60 

HB1033 seeks to expand the ban on Green iguanas (Iguana iguana) to include all Iguana species (assumedly all genera of the family Iguanidae: Amblyrhynchus, Brachylophus, Cachryx, Conolophus, Ctenosaura, Cyclura, Dipsosaurus, Iguana, and Sauromalus.)

This would mean that rock iguanas, spiny-tailed iguanas, rhinoceros iguanas, chuckwallas, and all other Iguanids would become Prohibited Species. It does this by changing statute from reading “Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)” to just “Iguana.” 

Florida is the world center of conservation for imperiled iguana species. Some of the largest assurance colonies of endangered Iguanas are found at Florida facilities. The reptile industry has contributed to raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for Iguana conservation through IguanaFest and coordination with conservationists. In addition to its negative conservation impacts, this bill further degrades the freedoms of reptile keepers and small businesses within Florida.

HB1033 also bans the sales of dog and cats in pet shops. HB1033 was introduced by State Representative Sam Killebrew of Winter Haven (District 48)


Read the bill : https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/1033/BillText/Filed/PDF

The bill has been profiled and has not yet been assigned to a committee. The Florida legislative session begins on January 9, 2024. The bill would take effect on take effect July 1, 2024.


Call to Action:

Contact Representative Killebrew and tell him this bill is a threat to pet owners, small businesses, farmers, and conservation.

sam.killebrew@myfloridahouse.gov

Capitol Office

300 House Office Building

402 South Monroe Street

Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300

(850) 717-5048


District office

337 Avenue C Southwest

Winter Haven, FL 33880-3262

(863) 291-5254


Continue to follow @usarkflorida and @usark for more information. 

Comments

  • Sunday, January 07, 2024 11:37 AM | John Teixido
    Use this email template to make it easier.

    Remember to space the email out to make it more readable:

    Subject: Please oppose HB1033 - Florida Iguana Ban

    Dear Representative [Name],

    I am writing to you as a concerned citizen and a reptile enthusiast to urge you to oppose HB1033, which would ban the importation, possession, sale, and breeding of all Iguana species in Florida.
    Iguanas are popular and harmless pets that pose no threat to public health or safety. They are also valuable for education, conservation, and research purposes. Banning them would not only harm the pet industry and the thousands of Floridians who own and care for them, but also violate the constitutional rights of private property and due process.
    HB1033 is based on misinformation and fear-mongering, not on sound science or evidence. There is no proof that Iguanas are invasive or damaging to the native ecosystem in Florida. In fact, most Iguana species are tropical and cannot survive the cold winters in most parts of the state. The few that can adapt are already regulated by the FWC and can be humanely managed by responsible owners and stakeholders.
    HB1033 is also unnecessary and redundant, as the FWC already has the authority and the tools to regulate nonnative animals in Florida. Adding more layers of bureaucracy and regulation would only create confusion, conflict, and waste of taxpayer money.
    I respectfully ask you to stand up for the rights and interests of your constituents and the reptile community, and vote NO on HB1033. Please do not let this bill pass and deprive us of our beloved pets and our freedom of choice.
    Thank you for your time and attention.

    Sincerely,
    [Your name and address]
    Link  •  Reply
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