Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 68A-6.0173 - Identification of Non-Native Venomous Reptiles and Reptiles of Concern

(1) Any person who keeps or possesses any live reptile of concern; or who keeps or possesses for personal use any live venomous reptile not indigenous to Florida or any live reptile of concern, in accordance with Sections 379.372 and 379.373, F.S., must permanently identify such reptile.

(a) Live venomous reptiles not indigenous to Florida shall be permanently identified by photographic identification or with a unique passive integrated transponder (PIT tag).

(b) Live reptiles of concern shall be permanently identified with a unique passive integrated transponder (PIT tag).

(c) Records of identification including PIT tag number where applicable, along with information about the specimen being identified (species, specimen name or number, gender, and age) must be maintained in the possessors records for as long as the specimen is possessed.

(2) For photographic identification the photograph of the specimen must include sufficient distinguishing characteristics (marks, scars, and patterns, etc.) to enable that particular specimen to be distinguished from other specimens of the same species.

(3) Passive integrated transponder (PIT tag) identification shall consist of the implantation of a unique PIT tag under the specimen's skin in a manner to maintain the PIT tag permanently in place.

(a) For snakes implantation shall be in specimens with a one (1) inch or greater diameter. The PIT tag shall be implanted in the back one-third (1/3) of the snake, forward of the anal plate.

(b) For lizards implantation shall be in the body cavity in close proximity to and forward of a rear leg or in a rear leg.

(c) The requirement pertaining to the location of the PIT tag implantation shall not apply to specimens implanted prior to acquisition of the animal or prior to the effective date of this rule.

(4) Exemption: Reptiles of concern being held for export by any person who possesses such reptile of concern in accordance with Sections 379.304 and 379.372, F.S., are exempt from the permanent identification requirement of this section for a period not to exceed 180 days provided such animals or their enclosures are permanently marked so as to be traceable to written records indicating the date such reptiles of concern were acquired.

Notes

Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 68A-6.0173

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const.

Adopted by Florida Register Volume 45, Number 181, September 17, 2019 effective 9/30/2019.

New 9-30-19.