Wildlife removal in Florida
Florida wildlife handling is regulated by the FWC. Unusually, FWC does not license wildlife trappers - operators can voluntarily join a public list. Captured nuisance wildlife must be released or euthanized within 24 hours, and off-site release is only lawful within the same county on 40+ contiguous acres with written landowner permission. Note: FWC-approved rule amendments take effect December 31, 2026.
Get connected with a provider in Florida
Call (844) 578-3091Call hours: Mon–Sun, 8 AM–6 PM. Coverage varies by location.
Disclaimer: EmergencyAnimalRemoval.com is a free service to assist homeowners in connecting with local service providers. All contractors/providers are independent and EmergencyAnimalRemoval.com does not warrant or guarantee any work performed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to verify that the hired contractor furnishes the necessary license and insurance required for the work being performed. All persons depicted in a photo or video are actors or models and not contractors listed on EmergencyAnimalRemoval.com.
What Florida law allows
- FWC does not license wildlife trappers. Ask what credentials a provider actually holds rather than assuming a state license exists.
- Live-captured nuisance wildlife must be released or euthanized within 24 hours.
- Off-site release is lawful only within the same county, on at least 40 contiguous acres, with written landowner permission, and only if no rabies alert is in effect.
- Bats may never be killed, trapped, or disturbed, and exclusion is prohibited April 15 to August 15 (maternity season).
- Amended FWC trapping rules take effect December 31, 2026 - rules described here apply before that date.
Rules paraphrased from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) — the primary source. Last reviewed 2026-07-16.
Relocation rules
Florida requires release or euthanasia within 24 hours of capture. Relocation is only lawful within the same county, on 40+ contiguous acres, with written landowner permission and no active rabies alert - conditions many jobs cannot meet.
Bat rules
Florida bats may never be killed or trapped, and exclusion work is prohibited April 15 - August 15 during maternity season. Plan bat exclusion for fall through early spring.
City guides in Florida
Jacksonville
Duval County · Common calls: raccoons, squirrels, bats
St. Augustine
St. Johns County · Common calls: raccoons, bats, snakes
Orange Park
Clay County · Common calls: squirrels, raccoons, bats
Pensacola
Escambia County · Common calls: raccoons, squirrels, bats
Panama City
Bay County · Common calls: bats, raccoons, squirrels
Florida wildlife law FAQs
Where can a trapped animal legally be released in Florida?
Within 24 hours of capture, either on-site or at a same-county location with at least 40 contiguous acres and written landowner permission, provided no rabies alert covers the area. Otherwise the animal must be humanely euthanized. These rules are set by FWC and are scheduled to change December 31, 2026.
Why will no one exclude the bats from my Florida attic in June?
Because it is illegal. Florida prohibits bat exclusion from April 15 through August 15 to protect flightless pups in maternity colonies. Reputable providers will inspect and seal secondary gaps now, then complete the exclusion after August 15.
Talk to someone about your wildlife problem
Call (844) 578-3091Call hours: Mon–Sun, 8 AM–6 PM. Coverage varies by location.
Disclaimer: EmergencyAnimalRemoval.com is a free service to assist homeowners in connecting with local service providers. All contractors/providers are independent and EmergencyAnimalRemoval.com does not warrant or guarantee any work performed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to verify that the hired contractor furnishes the necessary license and insurance required for the work being performed. All persons depicted in a photo or video are actors or models and not contractors listed on EmergencyAnimalRemoval.com.