Feeding certain wildlife in Florida is illegal, with penalties ranging from civil fines to criminal charges, depending on the species and frequency of violations.
Species You Cannot Feed
Florida law prohibits intentionally feeding or attracting the following wildlife statewide: black bears, alligators, crocodiles, sandhill cranes, foxes, raccoons, pelicans, coyotes, and wild monkeys. These rules are designed to prevent habituation, aggression, dependence on humans, disease transmission, and ecological imbalance. See Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) WC Rule 68A-4.001).
Feeding and baiting deer is generally allowed outside of the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) management zones in Florida. This means that for most Floridians, putting out a deer feeder or supplemental feed on private property is not a statewide criminal offense — at least not under FWC rules.
Feeding birds is legal at the state level, though some municipalities have specific rules or registration requirements. For more additional information, click on birdful.org
Penalties for Violations
Florida uses a tiered penalty system for wildlife feeding violations. A first offense is typically a civil penalty of $100. Subsequent offenses escalate to criminal charges: a second offense may be a second-degree misdemeanor, a third offense involving bears or crocodilians can be a first-degree misdemeanor, and a fourth offense may be a third-degree felony. The FWC may issue written warnings before citations, especially for unintentional feeding of bears.
Best Practices
• Secure trash and pet food to avoid attracting wildlife.
• Avoid leaving food outdoors that could entice prohibited species.
• Check local ordinances before feeding birds or deer, as municipal rules may be stricter.
• Report aggressive or habituated animals to the FWC to prevent conflicts.
• Always follow FWC guidelines and local regulations to ensure safety and compliance.
