30/08/2021
We need your help!
Say NO to the terrapin ban!
Public input on PROHIBITING the possession of pet Diamondback Terrapins in Florida will be held online only. Please call in or join the webinars via Microsoft Teams (similar to Zoom). The times are:
Wednesday, Sept. 1 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (ET)
Friday, Sept. 3 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. (ET)
To join the meeting visit this link:
https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/freshwater-turtles/dbt-rules/
USARK FL opposes FWC's proposed ban of pet Diamondback terrapins! The new regulation will stop future pet owners from being able to acquire pet diamondback terrapins and will place an additional burden on people who currently have just one or two as pets. Current FWC rules do not allow for the commercial collection of any native turtle species in Florida. The diamondback terrapin is a unique, beautiful, and personable turtles which thrive in captivity and can easily be bred. Many people breed them throughout the United States and most animals kept as pets are not collected from the wild but are bred under human care, and have been for many generations. These animals bred under human care reduce the impact of people collecting turtles from the wild.
Current issues with FWC laws regarding terrapins is the current possession limit of two per person effectively prevents captive breeding of terrapins except in the extraordinary situation of a large household where the number of people can legally account for the total number of terrapins, including eggs, possessed at that property. This regulation has kept turtle breeders from working with diamondback terrapins in Florida. Diamondback terrapins flourish under human care and their captive breeding can fulfill demand for them as pets rather than taking more animals from the wild.
Additionally, if FWC would allow Florida turtle breeders the option to breed this species, poaching and illegal activity would not be incentivized as the black market price for Florida terrapins would go down. Passing this regulation will actually drive up the demand for Florida terrapins as the black market price will sky rocket. The choice now is to pass a blanket ban that will increase the black market and poaching our wild turtles or allow regulated and licensed persons to breed this species legally.
One other exception USARK FL would like FWC to implement is allowing any unusual genetic morphs (like Albino or Leucistic) to be excluded from regulation, as is currently done with red-eared sliders and Florida pine snakes.
Here is the wording for the FWC red-eared slider regulation:
"Red-eared sliders with distinctive aberrant color patterns, including albino or amelanistic specimens, may be possessed without a permit otherwise required by the rule."
Here is the wording for the Florida pine snake regulation:
No person shall buy, sell or possess for sale any Florida pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus), nor shall any person possess more than one Florida pine snake, except that said restrictions shall not apply to amelanistic (albino) specimens.
Current FWC diamondback terrapin rules are as follows:
Total possession limit per person is two terrapins. One terrapin may be transported at a time. No eggs may be taken from the wild or transported.
The diamondback terrapin ban will likely be on the agenda of the FWC Commission Meeting on October 6-7, 2021 in St. Augustine, FL.
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USARK FL encourages you to attend the following meetings in person!
The FWC Captive Wildlife Office will be hosting public meetings to encourage input on Captive Wildlife regulations in Florida regarding reporting requirements for injuries, bites and escapes involving captive wildlife (Rule 68A-6.018, F.A.C.).
Tampa - September 15, 2021, 6-8 PM
Embassy Suites Tampa Brandon
10220 Palm River Road
Tampa, FL 33619
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FWC seeking feedback on Captive Wildlife rules relating to post-revocation and non-renewal licensure actions
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is currently seeking public feedback from all interested parties on draft rules regarding administrative changes relating to post-revocation and non-renewal licensure actions.
Meeting Dates and Locations (6:00 PM to 8:00 PM)
Jacksonville - August 30, 2021
Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville
JTB/Deerwood Park
9745 Gate Pkwy N
Jacksonville, FL 32246
Panama City - August 31, 2021
Hampton Inn & Suites Panama City Beach-Pier Park Area
13505 Panama City Beach Pkwy
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Tampa - September 15, 2021
Embassy Suites Tampa Brandon
10220 Palm River Road
Tampa, FL 33619
This is the same location & time as the above reporting requirements for injuries, bites and escapes involving captive wildlife in Tampa.
