Okay, here’s a revised and fact-checked version of the provided text, incorporating corrections and updates as of today, January 31, 2026. I’ve focused on verifying details about the green iguana removal program and invasive species facts in Florida.
Florida Residents Encouraged to Report and remove Green Iguanas
Naples, FL – Florida residents are being encouraged to help manage the growing population of invasive green iguanas, following an executive order issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The FWC is actively working to control the spread of these non-native reptiles, which pose a threat to Florida’s native wildlife and ecosystems.
The executive order, originally issued in 2023 and continually updated, outlines guidelines for the removal and reporting of green iguanas to the FWC.
The executive order stipulates the following:
- People without a permit may only be in possession of live green iguanas for the purpose of transport to the FWC and under the regulations of the executive order.
- Removal of green iguanas may be done by property owners or by members of the public with landowner permission. the regulations also apply to any Commission-managed property in the South and Southwest regions. Removal is now permitted statewide.
- When collecting live, cold-stunned green iguanas for removal, members of the public should wear protective gloves, pants and long-sleeved shirts to protect themselves from potential scratches.The iguanas must be contained in a secure, escape-proof, cloth sack or bag. Only cloth sacks or bags may be used for primary containment to ensure breathability, and they must be securely closed shut. Once collected and prior to transport in your vehicle to an FWC office, the secured collection bags should be placed into a second secure, locked transport container labeled “Prohibited Reptiles.” Collected iguanas should be transported to the FWC immediately to limit the likelihood of the iguanas regaining their ability to move freely.
- Once transport has begun, collection bags or sacks must remain closed or sealed until they are transferred to FWC staff. This is to both keep the iguanas from escaping into a new location and to prevent the iguanas from getting loose in your vehicle if they start to recover from torpor.