⚖️ F.A.C. Rule 68A-9.010 • Dec 2026 FWC Standards

Florida Nuisance Wildlife Regulations: Transport, Release & Dispatch

At Dixie's Dispatch Wildlife Control, we operate in strict compliance with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), F.A.C. Rule 68A-9.010, Rule 68A-24.002, and the December 31, 2026 FWC Nuisance Wildlife Trapping Amendments.

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1. Legal Restrictions on Relocating Wildlife (12-Hour Mandate)

Many property owners ask if a trapped animal can simply be relocated. Under Florida law, wildlife relocation is heavily restricted, ecologically harmful, and often illegal. Traps are inspected at least every 24 hours, and live-captured nuisance wildlife must be resolved within 12 hours of capture/inspection.

  • The 40-Acre Rule: Native wildlife can only be released off-site on a minimum of 40 contiguous acres.
  • Same-County & Written Permission: Release must occur in the exact same county of capture with physical written landowner permission. Dumping wildlife on public, state, county, or federal land is illegal.
  • Non-Native & High-Risk Species Ban: Invasive species (Wild Hogs), naturalized predators (Coyotes), and primary rabies vectors (Raccoons) cannot be relocated to other properties.

2. The Dangers of Transporting Live Wildlife

Transporting live nuisance wildlife poses severe risks to public health, family pets, livestock, and Florida's native ecosystems:

  • Rabies & Disease Control: Florida law mandates that wildlife transport never violate any rabies alert or quarantine issued by a County Health Department. Moving rabies vectors (like raccoons, foxes, and coyotes) spreads rabies, distemper, parvo, and mange into healthy animal populations.
  • Ecological Impact & Suffering: The FWC notes that relocated wildlife has a very poor chance of survival. Placed in unfamiliar territory without food or shelter, relocated animals typically die from starvation, traffic collisions, or violent territorial disputes with established wildlife.

3. Humane Dispatching & Our Exclusive Noise-Suppressed Protocol

Because off-site relocation is legally prohibited or ecologically inhumane, humane dispatch following American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) guidelines under F.A.C. Rule 68A-9.010 is the safest, most ethical, and permanent solution:

  • Exclusive Noise-Suppressed Firearm Method: Dixie's Dispatch utilizes noise-suppressed firearms exclusively for rapid, stress-free, AVMA-compliant euthanasia. We do not use chemical, drowning, or alternative methods at this time.
  • Wild Hogs & Coyotes (Mandatory On-Site Dispatch): Due to extreme safety risks and state transport regulations, all captured wild hogs and coyotes are humanely dispatched on-site prior to removal from your property.
  • Raccoons & Small Nuisance Wildlife (Off-Site Within 12 Hours): Raccoons, armadillos, and opossums are safely removed in secure transport cages and humanely dispatched off-site within 12 hours of capture.
  • Municipal / High-Density Notice: Dixie's Dispatch reserves the right to decline on-site firearm dispatch in high-density residential areas or municipalities where local ordinances strictly prohibit discharge.
  • Legal Exception for Florida Bobcats: Under F.A.C. Rule 68A-9.010, the Florida Bobcat cannot be euthanized as nuisance wildlife and is always released immediately on-site.

Permanent, Legal & Humane Wildlife Resolution

By choosing Dixie's Dispatch, you are choosing a company that refuses to cut corners. We never illegally dump wildlife on public lands or transfer nuisance predators to your neighbors.

Disclaimer: Information on this page is for educational purposes and reflects Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulations under F.A.C. 68A-9.010 and 68A-24.002.