Not protected, not endangered
No. Green iguanas are neither protected nor endangered in Florida — they're a non-native, invasive species. That's the opposite of animals like manatees, native birds, or gopher tortoises, which are protected and can carry serious penalties if you harm them. Iguanas get none of those protections, which is precisely why FWC generally lets homeowners remove them humanely from their own property year-round without a permit.
What 'not protected' does not mean
'Not protected' is narrower than people assume. It means you may remove them; it does not mean anything goes in how you do it.
- Florida's anti-cruelty law still applies, so removal must be humane.
- You still can't relocate and release an invasive animal elsewhere.
- Local ordinances (like firearm discharge) still apply to the method.
- Harming a protected native animal you mistook for an iguana is a real legal risk.
Don't confuse them with protected natives
The bigger practical risk is misidentification. Plenty of native reptiles and other native animals share the same yards, banks, and burrows, and harming one can carry serious penalties. If you're not sure whether you're looking at an invasive iguana or a protected native, don't harm it — confirm first. This is general information, not legal advice; when in doubt, check FWC guidance or ask a pro who identifies these regularly.
Common questions
Could I get in trouble for removing an iguana?
For a properly identified green iguana on your own property, humane removal is generally legal without a permit. The real risk is misidentifying a protected native animal and harming it — so be sure what you have before acting. This is general information, not legal advice.
Are any iguana-like animals protected here?
Yes — many native reptiles and other native animals are protected, and some native burrows and nests (like gopher tortoise burrows) are protected too. If you're unsure whether something is an invasive iguana or a protected native, don't harm it — confirm first.
Does the fact that they're invasive mean the state wants me to kill any I see?
The state encourages reducing iguana populations, but 'encouraged' isn't a mandate, and it never overrides the humane-treatment requirement or the need to be certain of identification. Remove humanely, don't misidentify a native, and check current FWC guidance if unsure.
