Repticon Tampa will be hosting a benefit auction for USARK FL this Saturday Feb 21, 2026 at 4pm right after the show. We look forward to seeing you there!
The Eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius fulvius) is a very common, but secretive venomous snake that is found throughout most of Florida. It is our only native Elapid snake (not a viper). Like its Elapid cousins the cobras and mambas, the Coral snake has neurotoxic venom that attacks the nervous system. Coral snakes are nonaggressive and prefer to quickly escape to avoid a threat.
Eastern coral snakes feed mostly on lizards and other snakes. Though they have specialized dietary requirements, these snakes are occassionally kept under human care, especially for venom research and production. Florida has some of the foremost venom labs in the world. Maintaining the legal ability to keep venomous reptiles, especially for the private sector, is of the utmost importance to the production of antivenin and prevention of human fatalities from snake bite. Keeping venomous snakes in Florida requires a venomous reptile license from FWC.
Photo of hatchling Eastern coral snake by Daniel Parker
This small venomous snake is native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea. Though it is shaped like a viper, it is a member of the family Elapidae. Like its elapid brethren the cobras and coral snakes, this Death adder species has a powerful neurotoxic venom that allows it to quickly subdue its prey, which is hunted from an ambush position. Its prey may include small mammals, birds, lizards, and frogs.
Death adders are quick to strike in defense and their bite may cause death in humans. As with most snake bites, the majority of Death adder bites are caused by people intentionally handling or molesting the snakes.
This species may do very well under human care, with some individuals living over 15 years. However, as a highly dangerous animal, it should be kept only by experienced keepers. FWC requires a Venomous Reptile license with an authorization for the family Elapidae to legally possess this species.
Photo by Daniel Parker
Repticon Tampa will be hosting a benefit auction for USARK FL this Saturday Feb 21, 2026 at 4pm right after the show. We look forward to seeing you there!
FWC Commissioners @MyFWCvideos voted on the final rule to list the Florida Reef gecko as a Threatened Species, which effectively bans that subspecies from being kept, bred, or sold in Florida. They also voted to move ahead with listing of Blackbanded Sunfish by making it a Candidate Species.
In an effort to accomodate reptile keepers, FWC staff did specify that only the Florida Reef gecko (Sphaerodactylus notatus notatus), which is the only subspecies which occurs in the wild in Florida, will be protected. In the summary memo and staff presentation for the rule, FWC said that only specimens labeled as Florida Reef gecko (S. n. notatus) would be regulated and all other subspecies or animals simply labeled "Sphaerodactylus notatus" without subspecies specified would be legal to keep, breed, and sell.
The subspecies are extremely difficult to differentiate. FWC staff and law enforcement has admitted that they would likely not be able to identify these geckos at the subspecies level. According to FWC staff statements, if you possess Reef geckos that are simply labeled as S. notatus with no subspecies specified, you will not be subject to law enforcement issues. We do have some concern for how this rule might be interpreted in the future, but for now FWC is making an effort to emphasize that this will not be an issue.
We are dissappointed that FWC did not create a rule that clearly allowed the subspecies which occurs in Florida to be kept, but we are happy that keepers are still given the ability to work with S. notatus. In the future, we hope that species considered for listing will have an allowance for keeping, breeding, and sale in order to preserve these species that face conservation challenges in the wild. #fwc#conservation#savefloridaspets#reefgecko#fishkeepers
MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Meeting Date: Feb 4, 2026 Time: 8:30 am Date: Feb 5, 2026 Time: 8:30 am Location: Florida State University Donald L. Tucker Civic Center 505 W. Pensacola St, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Public comments will be accepted in person during the meeting.
8:30 a.m., Thursday, February 5 Items Requiring Action "C. Proposed Final Rule – Florida Reef Gecko Listing and Guidelines. Staff will seek approval to add the Florida reef gecko to the Florida Endangered and Threatened Species List. The final step of the state listing process requires Commission approval of a Species Action Plan with Species Conservation Measures and Permitting Guidelines, and updates to the Imperiled Species Management Plan to incorporate the gecko. If approved, staff will publish a Notice of Proposed Rule for Rule 68A-27.003, F.A.C., to remove the Florida reef gecko from the Candidate list, add the species to the State-designated Threatened species list, and to incorporate the Guidelines into rule by reference. Public comment on this agenda item will be limited to no more than 30 minutes. (This item may be moved to day one or postponed)."
USARK FL does not oppose conservation of the Florida Reef gecko.
We oppose the proposed rule as written due to its unnecessary and harmful impact on captive populations.
The Reef gecko’s primary threats are habitat loss and sea level rise, not captive care or breeding.
A ban on possession and captive breeding does nothing to mitigate these threats.
Captive populations can serve as assurance colonies if wild populations decline.
Responsible captive breeding preserves genetic diversity and contributes to scientific knowledge.
USARK FL supports allowing possession, breeding, and sale with proof of legal origin.
This approach requires receipts and documented chain of custody and does not allow wild collection in Florida
Commissioner Direction Has Not Been Reflected in Rule
At multiple meetings, Commissioners directed staff to work with the reptile keepers.
Despite repeated engagement, no meaningful changes were made to the rule language.
Staff suggested enforcement would apply only to Sphaerodactylus notatus notatus.
This subspecies is not universally accepted and is extremely difficult to distinguish from other subspecies.
Enforcement based on labeling alone would be unprecedented.
Rules must be clear, enforceable, and consistent, not reliant on informal interpretations.
FWC staff stated that receipts and documentation are insufficient to establish legality.
USARK FL strongly disagrees. Documentation is the standard method used across wildlife regulation.
Rejecting it eliminates any lawful path for responsible captive management.
Conservation rules must be written clearly, not dependent on who is in the room or employed in the future.
Gray areas lead to legal uncertainty and loss of cooperative stakeholders
Habitat loss and data collection needs do not justify a captive ban.
Ignores stakeholder input in practice
USARK FL respectfully asks the Commission to table this item and direct staff to meaningfully incorporate reptile keeper input into the written rule.
We ask that FWC return with a proposal that supports both conservation and responsible captive stewardship.
USARK FL Comment on FWC’s Listing of the Florida Reef Gecko as a Threatened Species
The United States Association of Reptile Keepers-Florida (USARK FL) opposes the proposed rule to list the Florida Reef gecko as a State Threatened Species in the current form that it is being presented by FWC staff to the Commission. We are neither disputing nor agreeing with the need for protection, but we oppose the listing due to its impact on captive populations.This species should be preserved in the wild and in captivity for the future. We do not believe the current proposal accomplishes that goal. In Florida, the Reef gecko is primarily threatened by habitat destruction and rising sea level. Provisions in staff’s proposal that ban the keeping and captive breeding of the Florida reef gecko are irrelevant to its continued survival in the wild.
USARK FL has previously submitted our comment to FWC that possession, breeding, and sale of state-listed species and state-protected species (including non-listed species that have possession limits) should be allowed with proof of legal origin. If animals are purchased from a legal source, a receipt documenting the source must be available for inspection by FWC. If animals are bred in captivity, the history of those animals and chain of custody from a legal source must be documented. This does NOT allow for collection from the wild within Florida. Candidate Species should not be restricted until their actual listing process is complete.
The proposed listing of the Reef gecko has come before the FWC Commissioners at multiple meetings. Reptile keepers have made public comments at each of these meetings opposing a captive ban. In each of these instances, Commissioners have directed staff to work with the reptile industry and consider our input.
Unfortunately, we believe our request for an allowance of keeping and captive breeding written into rule has been addressed in a manner that is confusing, and at odds with current taxonomy. Since the last Commission meeting, reptile keepers have met with staff in the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation (HSC) twice. In the first meeting, staff presented the idea that FWC would only enforce the ban on the subspecies of Reef gecko which is endemic to Florida, the Florida Reef gecko (Sphaerodactylus notatus notatus). We presented our concern that this subspecies is not universally accepted and is very difficult to differentiate from other subspecies. Staff agreed and further asserted that unless a specimen possessed was specifically-labeled as a Florida Reef gecko (Sphaerodactylus notatus notatus), FWC would not take enforcement action. For instance, if specimens were labeled simply as Reef geckos (Sphaerodactylus notatus), FWC would not take enforcement action. We believe this would be a novel approach by FWC law enforcement which would be different from interpretations of rule that we have seen in the past. We have significant concerns as to how this can be enforced.
For the second meeting, we had hoped that FWC staff would come back to us with changes to the proposed language of the rule accommodating our requests. Unfortunately, we were told that no changes were being made to the rule as written. FWC said that listing of this was necessary to gather data on the species and that they did not think that possession of the Florida Reef gecko with receipts documenting the origin of captive specimens was sufficient to prove a legal chain of custody.
USARK FL has a stated goal of protecting diversity of species within the reptile industry while also maintaining captive populations of sensitive species as assurance colonies in case wild populations disappear. We have clearly expressed our desire for FWC to avoid “gray areas” in rules that are subject to varied interpretation. We are striving for policies on paper rather than assurances from people who may or may not even be part of FWC in the near future. We believe that FWC’s proposed rule on the Florida Reef gecko accomplishes none of these goals.
We do want to acknowledge and appreciate the effort that FWC has put in in an effort to find an acceptable solution. Further, we appreciate that they have acknowledged that the Florida reef gecko may be determined to be non-native in the future, and their documents clearly state that if this is found to be the case, then protections will be eliminated. In spite of our mutual attempt to find common ground, we cannot support the proposed changes. Rather than give up the ability to work with this rare and unique species, we would prefer a solution that allows us to continue to contribute to the body of knowledge on this gecko.
We do not believe that habitat loss and the ability to collect data is valid justification for a captive ban. Therefore, USARK Florida is opposing the rule as written. We once again ask that Commissioners table this issue until staff makes a genuine effort to incorporate the input of reptile keepers into the written rule.
FWC Reptile and Amphibian Working Group Holds First Meeting
Reptile keepers and representatives of USARK FL met with staff from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on January 13, 2025 as part of the newly formed Reptile and Amphibian Working Group. USARK Florida requested the formation of this group as a step toward improved dialogue between FWC and the reptile community.
During the discussion, reptile keepers outlined a series of priority issues where they believe improvements or collaboration are urgently needed. These included allowing albino and leucistic color morphs across species, reforming licensing rules viewed as overly punitive, and clarifying authorization for ESA (Endangered Species Act) listed species. Keepers also raised concerns about the need for transport permits for prohibited species.
Reptile keepers have complained that many existing rules no longer reflect current realities of captive breeding, private property rights, or interstate commerce, and in some cases place Florida businesses at a competitive disadvantage.
USARK FL President Elizabeth Wisneski stressed the importance of continued cooperation, emphasizing that constructive engagement is essential for both responsible animal keeping and effective wildlife management. “This is about Florida’s future,” said Wisneski.
Meeting participants expressed cautious optimism that collaborative solutions can be developed in the months ahead. “We have a mandate from FWC leadership and Florida’s reptile keepers to create positive change and we believe that should happen in short order,” said USARK FL Director of Media Daniel Parker.
The Marbled salamander is a beautiful member of the Mole salamander family that occurs through much of northern Florida in moist wooded areas. It spends the vast majority of its life underground. It is mainly seen when it emerges during fall rains to breed.
Unlike most amphibians, female Marbled salamanders lay their eggs in shallow depressions on land. They rely on these areas being flooded by fall or winter rains so the the eggs may hatch and larvae may develop. Because these special conditions are required, these salamanders may not be able to successfully reproduce some years. This may be a factor limiting their range in Florida. Populations rely on the fairly long lifespan of the adults, which may be five to ten years. Individuals may live longer in human care.
Though it is secretive and may not be frequently seen, the Marbled salamander makes a beautiful and satisfying terrarium animal that may thrive for years if kept on a deep, moist substrate and fed small earthworms, crickets, and a variety of other soft invertebrates. Typical indoor temperatures in the upper 60's to low 80's work well for this species. Care must be taken to make sure that they do not get too hot or dry.
Do you keep Reef geckos? We want to hear from you!
FWC is considering State Listing of the Florida Reef gecko (Sphaerodactylus notatus notatus). We have been in discussions with FWC leadership and staff on allowances for continued captive ownership and breeding. We are looking to coordinate with keepers who work with Reef geckos, not limited to the Florida subspecies (which may be difficult to distinguish from the others). We ask Reef gecko keepers to please email Daniel Parker at media@usarkfl net to coordinate. Thanks so much!
Photo of Florida Reef gecko by Jake Scott
USARK FL Position on Protected Species, Listed Species and Candidate Species
Possession, breeding, and sale of state-listed species (that are not Federally-listed) state-protected species (including non-listed species that have possession limits) should be allowed with proof of legal origin. If animals are purchased from out of state from a legal source, a receipt documenting the source must be available for inspection by FWC. If animals are bred in captivity, the history of those animals and chain of custody from a legal source must be documented. This does NOT allow for collection from the wild within Florida. Candidate Species should not be restricted until their actual listing process is complete.
As is the case in the proposed state listing of the reef gecko and dusky salamander, habitat destruction and degradation are the primary threats to most herp species within Florida. Limiting possession and captive breeding is counterproductive to the continued survival of those species.
Albinos and color morphs of all species should be legal without restriction. This is already the case in Florida for red-eared sliders and Florida pine snakes. There are exceptions for albinos in state regulations for Indiana, California, New Jersey, and South Carolina.
USARK Florida
It's almost here!
Auction to benefit USARK FL
Saturday Feb 21, 2026 4pm
at Repticon Tampa
repticon.com/florida/tampa/
Florida State Fairgrounds
4800 US-301
Tampa, FL 33610
We need volunteers for Saturday starting at 10am. Volunteers will get free admission into Repticon Tampa.
Please email info@usarkfl.net to volunteer or donate auction items. Thank you so much!
1 day ago | [YT] | 8
View 0 replies
USARK Florida
Repticon Tampa will be hosting a benefit auction for USARK FL this Saturday Feb 21, 2026 at 4pm right after the show. We look forward to seeing you there!
The Eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius fulvius) is a very common, but secretive venomous snake that is found throughout most of Florida. It is our only native Elapid snake (not a viper). Like its Elapid cousins the cobras and mambas, the Coral snake has neurotoxic venom that attacks the nervous system. Coral snakes are nonaggressive and prefer to quickly escape to avoid a threat.
Eastern coral snakes feed mostly on lizards and other snakes. Though they have specialized dietary requirements, these snakes are occassionally kept under human care, especially for venom research and production. Florida has some of the foremost venom labs in the world. Maintaining the legal ability to keep venomous reptiles, especially for the private sector, is of the utmost importance to the production of antivenin and prevention of human fatalities from snake bite. Keeping venomous snakes in Florida requires a venomous reptile license from FWC.
Photo of hatchling Eastern coral snake by Daniel Parker
#snakes #venomous #coralsnake #amazinganimals
2 days ago | [YT] | 10
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USARK Florida
Rough-Scaled Death Adder
(Acanthophis rugosus)
This small venomous snake is native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea. Though it is shaped like a viper, it is a member of the family Elapidae. Like its elapid brethren the cobras and coral snakes, this Death adder species has a powerful neurotoxic venom that allows it to quickly subdue its prey, which is hunted from an ambush position. Its prey may include small mammals, birds, lizards, and frogs.
Death adders are quick to strike in defense and their bite may cause death in humans. As with most snake bites, the majority of Death adder bites are caused by people intentionally handling or molesting the snakes.
This species may do very well under human care, with some individuals living over 15 years. However, as a highly dangerous animal, it should be kept only by experienced keepers. FWC requires a Venomous Reptile license with an authorization for the family Elapidae to legally possess this species.
Photo by Daniel Parker
Repticon Tampa will be hosting a benefit auction for USARK FL this Saturday Feb 21, 2026 at 4pm right after the show. We look forward to seeing you there!
#snakes #venomous #deathadder #amazinganimals
3 days ago | [YT] | 11
View 0 replies
USARK Florida
Auction to benefit USARK FL
Saturday Feb 21, 2026 4pm
at Repticon Tampa
@repticonreptileshows
repticon.com/florida/tampa/
Florida State Fairgrounds
4800 US-301
Tampa, FL 33610
We need volunteers for Saturday starting at 10am. Volunteers will get free admission into Repticon Tampa.
Please email info@usarkfl.net to volunteer or donate auction items. Thank you so much!
6 days ago | [YT] | 11
View 0 replies
USARK Florida
FWC Commissioners @MyFWCvideos
voted on the final rule to list the Florida Reef gecko as a Threatened Species, which effectively bans that subspecies from being kept, bred, or sold in Florida. They also voted to move ahead with listing of Blackbanded Sunfish by making it a Candidate Species.
In an effort to accomodate reptile keepers, FWC staff did specify that only the Florida Reef gecko (Sphaerodactylus notatus notatus), which is the only subspecies which occurs in the wild in Florida, will be protected. In the summary memo and staff presentation for the rule, FWC said that only specimens labeled as Florida Reef gecko (S. n. notatus) would be regulated and all other subspecies or animals simply labeled "Sphaerodactylus notatus" without subspecies specified would be legal to keep, breed, and sell.
The subspecies are extremely difficult to differentiate. FWC staff and law enforcement has admitted that they would likely not be able to identify these geckos at the subspecies level. According to FWC staff statements, if you possess Reef geckos that are simply labeled as S. notatus with no subspecies specified, you will not be subject to law enforcement issues. We do have some concern for how this rule might be interpreted in the future, but for now FWC is making an effort to emphasize that this will not be an issue.
We are dissappointed that FWC did not create a rule that clearly allowed the subspecies which occurs in Florida to be kept, but we are happy that keepers are still given the ability to work with S. notatus. In the future, we hope that species considered for listing will have an allowance for keeping, breeding, and sale in order to preserve these species that face conservation challenges in the wild.
#fwc #conservation #savefloridaspets #reefgecko #fishkeepers
1 week ago | [YT] | 9
View 4 replies
USARK Florida
MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Meeting
Date: Feb 4, 2026 Time: 8:30 am
Date: Feb 5, 2026 Time: 8:30 am
Location:
Florida State University
Donald L. Tucker Civic Center
505 W. Pensacola St, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Public comments will be accepted in person during the meeting.
See agenda here:
myfwc.com/about/commission/commission-meetings/feb…
Watch live at thefloridachannel.org
8:30 a.m., Thursday, February 5
Items Requiring Action
"C. Proposed Final Rule – Florida Reef Gecko Listing and Guidelines. Staff will seek approval to add the Florida reef gecko to the Florida Endangered and Threatened Species List. The final step of the state listing process requires Commission approval of a Species Action Plan with Species Conservation Measures and Permitting Guidelines, and updates to the Imperiled Species Management Plan to incorporate the gecko. If approved, staff will publish a Notice of Proposed Rule for Rule 68A-27.003, F.A.C., to remove the Florida reef gecko from the Candidate list, add the species to the State-designated Threatened species list, and to incorporate the Guidelines into rule by reference.
Public comment on this agenda item will be limited to no more than 30 minutes. (This item may be moved to day one or postponed)."
USARK FL does not oppose conservation of the Florida Reef gecko.
We oppose the proposed rule as written due to its unnecessary and harmful impact on captive populations.
The Reef gecko’s primary threats are habitat loss and sea level rise, not captive care or breeding.
A ban on possession and captive breeding does nothing to mitigate these threats.
Captive populations can serve as assurance colonies if wild populations decline.
Responsible captive breeding preserves genetic diversity and contributes to scientific knowledge.
USARK FL supports allowing possession, breeding, and sale with proof of legal origin.
This approach requires receipts and documented chain of custody and does not allow wild collection in Florida
Commissioner Direction Has Not Been Reflected in Rule
At multiple meetings, Commissioners directed staff to work with the reptile keepers.
Despite repeated engagement, no meaningful changes were made to the rule language.
Staff suggested enforcement would apply only to Sphaerodactylus notatus notatus.
This subspecies is not universally accepted and is extremely difficult to distinguish from other subspecies.
Enforcement based on labeling alone would be unprecedented.
Rules must be clear, enforceable, and consistent, not reliant on informal interpretations.
FWC staff stated that receipts and documentation are insufficient to establish legality.
USARK FL strongly disagrees. Documentation is the standard method used across wildlife regulation.
Rejecting it eliminates any lawful path for responsible captive management.
Conservation rules must be written clearly, not dependent on who is in the room or employed in the future.
Gray areas lead to legal uncertainty and loss of cooperative stakeholders
Habitat loss and data collection needs do not justify a captive ban.
Ignores stakeholder input in practice
USARK FL respectfully asks the Commission to table this item and direct staff to meaningfully incorporate reptile keeper input into the written rule.
We ask that FWC return with a proposal that supports both conservation and responsible captive stewardship.
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 4
View 0 replies
USARK Florida
USARK FL Comment on FWC’s Listing of the Florida Reef Gecko as a Threatened Species
The United States Association of Reptile Keepers-Florida (USARK FL) opposes the proposed rule to list the Florida Reef gecko as a State Threatened Species in the current form that it is being presented by FWC staff to the Commission. We are neither disputing nor agreeing with the need for protection, but we oppose the listing due to its impact on captive populations.This species should be preserved in the wild and in captivity for the future. We do not believe the current proposal accomplishes that goal. In Florida, the Reef gecko is primarily threatened by habitat destruction and rising sea level. Provisions in staff’s proposal that ban the keeping and captive breeding of the Florida reef gecko are irrelevant to its continued survival in the wild.
USARK FL has previously submitted our comment to FWC that possession, breeding, and sale of state-listed species and state-protected species (including non-listed species that have possession limits) should be allowed with proof of legal origin. If animals are purchased from a legal source, a receipt documenting the source must be available for inspection by FWC. If animals are bred in captivity, the history of those animals and chain of custody from a legal source must be documented. This does NOT allow for collection from the wild within Florida. Candidate Species should not be restricted until their actual listing process is complete.
The proposed listing of the Reef gecko has come before the FWC Commissioners at multiple meetings. Reptile keepers have made public comments at each of these meetings opposing a captive ban. In each of these instances, Commissioners have directed staff to work with the reptile industry and consider our input.
Unfortunately, we believe our request for an allowance of keeping and captive breeding written into rule has been addressed in a manner that is confusing, and at odds with current taxonomy. Since the last Commission meeting, reptile keepers have met with staff in the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation (HSC) twice. In the first meeting, staff presented the idea that FWC would only enforce the ban on the subspecies of Reef gecko which is endemic to Florida, the Florida Reef gecko (Sphaerodactylus notatus notatus). We presented our concern that this subspecies is not universally accepted and is very difficult to differentiate from other subspecies. Staff agreed and further asserted that unless a specimen possessed was specifically-labeled as a Florida Reef gecko (Sphaerodactylus notatus notatus), FWC would not take enforcement action. For instance, if specimens were labeled simply as Reef geckos (Sphaerodactylus notatus), FWC would not take enforcement action. We believe this would be a novel approach by FWC law enforcement which would be different from interpretations of rule that we have seen in the past. We have significant concerns as to how this can be enforced.
For the second meeting, we had hoped that FWC staff would come back to us with changes to the proposed language of the rule accommodating our requests. Unfortunately, we were told that no changes were being made to the rule as written. FWC said that listing of this was necessary to gather data on the species and that they did not think that possession of the Florida Reef gecko with receipts documenting the origin of captive specimens was sufficient to prove a legal chain of custody.
USARK FL has a stated goal of protecting diversity of species within the reptile industry while also maintaining captive populations of sensitive species as assurance colonies in case wild populations disappear. We have clearly expressed our desire for FWC to avoid “gray areas” in rules that are subject to varied interpretation. We are striving for policies on paper rather than assurances from people who may or may not even be part of FWC in the near future. We believe that FWC’s proposed rule on the Florida Reef gecko accomplishes none of these goals.
We do want to acknowledge and appreciate the effort that FWC has put in in an effort to find an acceptable solution. Further, we appreciate that they have acknowledged that the Florida reef gecko may be determined to be non-native in the future, and their documents clearly state that if this is found to be the case, then protections will be eliminated. In spite of our mutual attempt to find common ground, we cannot support the proposed changes. Rather than give up the ability to work with this rare and unique species, we would prefer a solution that allows us to continue to contribute to the body of knowledge on this gecko.
We do not believe that habitat loss and the ability to collect data is valid justification for a captive ban. Therefore, USARK Florida is opposing the rule as written. We once again ask that Commissioners table this issue until staff makes a genuine effort to incorporate the input of reptile keepers into the written rule.
The proposed Reef gecko rule is Item 9.C. on the agenda for next week's FWC meeting (Feb. 4-5) in Tallahassee.
myfwc.com/about/commission/commission-meetings/feb…
Members of the public may email the FWC Commissioners commissioners@myfwc.com
or give public comment in person at the meeting.
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 11
View 0 replies
USARK Florida
FWC Reptile and Amphibian Working Group Holds First Meeting
Reptile keepers and representatives of USARK FL met with staff from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on January 13, 2025 as part of the newly formed Reptile and Amphibian Working Group. USARK Florida requested the formation of this group as a step toward improved dialogue between FWC and the reptile community.
During the discussion, reptile keepers outlined a series of priority issues where they believe improvements or collaboration are urgently needed. These included allowing albino and leucistic color morphs across species, reforming licensing rules viewed as overly punitive, and clarifying authorization for ESA (Endangered Species Act) listed species. Keepers also raised concerns about the need for transport permits for prohibited species.
Reptile keepers have complained that many existing rules no longer reflect current realities of captive breeding, private property rights, or interstate commerce, and in some cases place Florida businesses at a competitive disadvantage.
USARK FL President Elizabeth Wisneski
stressed the importance of continued cooperation, emphasizing that constructive engagement is essential for both responsible animal keeping and effective wildlife management. “This is about Florida’s future,” said Wisneski.
Meeting participants expressed cautious optimism that collaborative solutions can be developed in the months ahead. “We have a mandate from FWC leadership and Florida’s reptile keepers to create positive change and we believe that should happen in short order,” said USARK FL Director of Media Daniel Parker.
See article on our website here:
usarkfl.wildapricot.org/news/13588373
Photo of Motley Corn snake by Daniel Parker
#reptiles #savefloridaspets #oneteamonefight #fwc #florida
4 weeks ago | [YT] | 31
View 1 reply
USARK Florida
The Marbled salamander is a beautiful member of the Mole salamander family that occurs through much of northern Florida in moist wooded areas. It spends the vast majority of its life underground. It is mainly seen when it emerges during fall rains to breed.
Unlike most amphibians, female Marbled salamanders lay their eggs in shallow depressions on land. They rely on these areas being flooded by fall or winter rains so the the eggs may hatch and larvae may develop. Because these special conditions are required, these salamanders may not be able to successfully reproduce some years. This may be a factor limiting their range in Florida. Populations rely on the fairly long lifespan of the adults, which may be five to ten years. Individuals may live longer in human care.
Though it is secretive and may not be frequently seen, the Marbled salamander makes a beautiful and satisfying terrarium animal that may thrive for years if kept on a deep, moist substrate and fed small earthworms, crickets, and a variety of other soft invertebrates. Typical indoor temperatures in the upper 60's to low 80's work well for this species. Care must be taken to make sure that they do not get too hot or dry.
4 weeks ago | [YT] | 11
View 0 replies
USARK Florida
Do you keep Reef geckos?
We want to hear from you!
FWC is considering State Listing of the Florida Reef gecko (Sphaerodactylus notatus notatus). We have been in discussions with FWC leadership and staff on allowances for continued captive ownership and breeding. We are looking to coordinate with keepers who work with Reef geckos, not limited to the Florida subspecies (which may be difficult to distinguish from the others). We ask Reef gecko keepers to please email Daniel Parker at media@usarkfl net to coordinate. Thanks so much!
Photo of Florida Reef gecko by Jake Scott
USARK FL Position on Protected Species, Listed Species and Candidate Species
Possession, breeding, and sale of state-listed species (that are not Federally-listed) state-protected species (including non-listed species that have possession limits) should be allowed with proof of legal origin. If animals are purchased from out of state from a legal source, a receipt documenting the source must be available for inspection by FWC. If animals are bred in captivity, the history of those animals and chain of custody from a legal source must be documented. This does NOT allow for collection from the wild within Florida. Candidate Species should not be restricted until their actual listing process is complete.
As is the case in the proposed state listing of the reef gecko and dusky salamander, habitat destruction and degradation are the primary threats to most herp species within Florida. Limiting possession and captive breeding is counterproductive to the continued survival of those species.
Albinos and color morphs of all species should be legal without restriction. This is already the case in Florida for red-eared sliders and Florida pine snakes. There are exceptions for albinos in state regulations for Indiana, California, New Jersey, and South Carolina.
1 month ago | [YT] | 21
View 0 replies
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