Green iguana in a tree. Credit: FWC
MIAMI, Florida — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued Executive Order 26-03 on January 30, 2026, to allow the public to remove live, cold-stunned green iguanas from the wild without a permit and transport them to designated FWC offices in the South and Southwest Regions on February 1 and February 2.
The order provides an opportunity for people to collect green iguanas from their property or with landowner permission and deliver them to the FWC for humane euthanasia or transfer to permittees for live animal sales.
Green iguanas are a Prohibited species in Florida, and possession typically requires a permit, but the order allows temporary possession for transport to the FWC during this period.
Drop-offs will be accepted at the following locations on Sunday, February 1, from 9 a.m. to noon, and Monday, February 2, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.:
The regulations apply to private properties and Commission-managed properties in the South and Southwest regions.
For collection, individuals should wear protective gloves, pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Iguanas must be placed in secure, escape-proof cloth sacks or bags, then into a second locked container labeled “Prohibited Reptiles.” Bags must remain sealed until transferred to FWC staff.
Green iguanas are not protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty laws, and can be humanely killed year-round on private property or with permission. Outside this order, professional wildlife control operators can assist with removal.
The FWC advises against bringing cold-stunned iguanas indoors or into vehicles to warm them, as they can recover quickly and become defensive.
Invasive species like green iguanas impact native wildlife, cause damage, and pose risks to human health and safety.
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