Nuisance Animals

The City of Plant City does not regulate nuisance animals or wildlife.  This includes chickens, raccoons, snakes and other commonly found nuisance animals within Plant City. The following information is provided by the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission, which regulates nuisance animals in Florida.  More information can be found at https://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/wildlife/faqs-nuisance-wildlife/

What is nuisance wildlife?

Nuisance wildlife, as defined in Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) 68A-9.010, refers to an animal or animals exhibiting behavior that:

• causes (or is about to cause) property damage,
• presents a threat to public safety, or
• causes an annoyance within, under or upon a building.

How can I remove nuisance wildlife?

Nuisance wildlife, as defined in Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) 68A-9.010, may be taken using live traps or snares, or, where allowed, firearms during daylight hours. All traps and snares must be inspected at least once every 24 hours.

Discharge of a firearm may be prohibited in some cities and residential areas; check with local law enforcement.

A permit issued by FWC regional offices is required to use steel traps to take destructive mammals (excluding species prohibited by the FWC). A Gun and Light at Night Permit and a hunting license are required to use a firearm and a light at night to take nuisance beaver, bobcat, fox, opossum, rabbit, raccoon or skunk that are causing destruction of crops and/or livestock. A Gun and Light at Night Permit is not required to take wild hog, coyote, armadillo, black or Norway rat or house mouse.

Are there wildlife that cannot be taken?

Yes, there are many species that cannot be taken. Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) 68A-9.010 specifies wildlife that cannot be taken as nuisance animals. Please contact your FWC Regional Office for additional assistance.

Who can take nuisance wildlife?

Any person owning property may take nuisance wildlife that causes (or is about to cause) property damage,presents a threat to public safety, or causes an annoyance within, under or upon a building on their property or they may authorize another person to take nuisance wildlife on their behalf. Persons responsible for government owned property are considered "property owners". Wildlife trappers and property owners are responsible for complying with the many laws that protect wildlife. Before removing wildlife, please seek assistance in understanding these laws and your alternative options for resolving the conflict.

Permits are required under certain circumstances.

You may want to have another individual remove nuisance wildlife for you.

The FWC does not license nuisance wildlife trappers, but does allow them to advertise their services on our web site. Consult the FWC's list of Wildlife Trappers. Most trappers charge a fee for their services. Wildlife trappers and property owners do not need to notify or obtain FWC authorization to take most destructive or nuisance wildlife from private property. Wildlife trappers must obtain consent from the property owner.

What do I do with nuisance wildlife after it has been captured?

Live-captured nuisance wildlife must be released legally or euthanized humanely within 24 hours of capture or trap inspection.
Any non-target wildlife should be released immediately at the capture site.
Unless prohibited by rabies alert or quarantine issued by a County Health Department or County Animal Control, live-captured nuisance wildlife may be transported for the purpose of euthanasia or for legal release.
Euthanasia guidelines can be found on the Report of the American Veterinary Medical Association Panel on Euthanasia.
Only native species of wildlife may be released.
Nonnative wildlife may not be transported or relocated except for the purpose of euthanasia.

Releasing native nuisance wildlife

Native nuisance wildlife may be released on the property of the landowner where captured provided the release site and capture site are located on one contiguous piece of property.

Relocating native nuisance wildlife

Native nuisance wildlife may be released off the capture site if the release site is a minimum of 40 contiguous acres, located in the same county as the capture site, and the person releasing the nuisance wildlife has in their possession written permission from the landowner of the release site allowing release on their property.

Nuisance wildlife may not be released on federal, state, county, local or private lands without written permission of the landowner.