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