The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has issued an executive order temporarily allowing people to remove live, cold-stunned green iguanas from the wild without a permit.
According to the FWC, green iguanas are an invasive species in Florida that negatively impact both the environment and the economy. During cold weather, these reptiles can enter a state of torpor, temporarily losing muscle control and sometimes falling from trees.
To assist with removal efforts, FWC staff will accept cold-stunned iguanas from the public at five locations:
- Marathon: FWC South Florida Regional Lab
- Sunrise: FWC Office
- Tequesta: FWC Tequesta Field Lab
- Fort Myers: FWC Law Enforcement Office
- Lakeland: FWC Southwest Regional Office
Drop-offs will be available Sunday, Feb. 1, from 9 a.m. to noon, and Monday, Feb. 2, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The FWC advises wearing protective gloves and long sleeves when handling iguanas. Animals must be placed in a secure cloth bag, then transported in a locked container labeled “Prohibited Reptiles.” Officials warn residents not to bring iguanas indoors to warm them up and to transport them directly to an FWC location to prevent recovery and escape.
