At Dixie’s Dispatch, we operate in strict compliance with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) Rule 68A-9.010.

When dealing with nuisance wildlife—defined by the state as animals causing property damage, presenting a threat to public safety, or causing an annoyance within or under a building—many property owners ask if the animal can simply be trapped and relocated. Under Florida law, wildlife relocation is heavily restricted, ecologically harmful, and often illegal.

Here is what Florida state law dictates regarding the transport, release, and dispatch of nuisance wildlife, and why we utilize humane dispatch as our primary method of resolution.

1. The Legal Restrictions on Relocating and Releasing Wildlife

The FWC strongly discourages the relocation of native wildlife and outright bans the release of nonnative species. According to F.A.C. Rule 68A-9.010, live-captured nuisance wildlife must be legally released or humanely euthanized within 24 hours of capture.

We do not offer off-site relocation services because the legal requirements for releasing a trapped animal in Florida are prohibitively strict:

• The 40-Acre Rule: Native nuisance wildlife can only be released off-site if the release location is a minimum of 40 contiguous acres.

• Same-County Restriction: The animal must be released in the exact same county where it was captured.

• Written Permission: The person releasing the animal must have physical, written permission from the landowner of the release site. Nuisance wildlife cannot be dumped on federal, state, county, local, or public lands.

• The Nonnative/Invasive Species Ban: Invasive and nonnative species (such as Raccoons, Coyotes, and Wild Hogs) cannot be transported or relocated under any circumstances, except for the express purpose of euthanasia. It is a violation of Florida law to release a trapped nonnative animal.

2. The Dangers of Transporting Wildlife

Transporting live nuisance wildlife poses severe risks to both public health and local ecosystems.

• Rabies and Disease Control: Florida law mandates that the transportation of wildlife must never violate any rabies alert or area quarantine issued by a County Health Department or Animal Services. Moving rabies vectors (like raccoons, foxes, and bats) spreads diseases to new, healthy wildlife populations.

• Ecological Impact: The FWC notes that relocated wildlife has a very poor chance of survival. Transported animals are suddenly placed in unfamiliar territory without known food or shelter sources. They often fall victim to predation, wander aimlessly into traffic, or are killed by existing territorial animals.

3. Humane Dispatching (Euthanasia)

Because legal relocation is rarely viable—and ecologically inhumane—dispatching the animal is the safest, most responsible, and legally compliant solution.

• AVMA/AAZV Guidelines: F.A.C. Rule 68A-9.010 requires that the euthanasia of all nuisance wildlife be performed humanely, strictly following the guidelines set forth by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV).

• Our Commitment: Dixie's Dispatch utilizes rapid, humane, and targeted dispatching methods that adhere 100% to these state-mandated ethical standards. We ensure the animal does not suffer, protecting your property while respecting the animal.

• (Note: The only legal exception to dispatching standard nuisance wildlife under Rule 68A-9.010 is the Florida Bobcat, which by law cannot be euthanized and must be released).

• "While we utilize advanced noise-suppression technology, Dixie’s Dispatch reserves the right to decline firearm-based dispatch in high-density residential areas or municipalities where local ordinances strictly prohibit discharge. In these cases, alternative humane euthanasia methods will be used in accordance with AVMA standards."

By choosing Dixie’s Dispatch, you are choosing a company that refuses to cut corners. We do not illegally dump wildlife on public lands, and we do not spread nuisance animals to other properties. We solve your wildlife conflict permanently, legally, and humanely.

*** Disclaimer:The information provided on this page is for educational purposes and reflects current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulations under F.A.C. 68A-9.010. Laws and guidelines are subject to change. For the most up-to-date legal text, please visit the official FWC website.