(1) Only a corporation that is licensed in accordance with Florida Statutes § 379.3761, and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and described in sections 501 (c)(3) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) of such code, may operate a wildlife sanctuary for captive wildlife. For the purposes of this section a “”wildlife sanctuary for captive wildlife”” is defined as a facility established for the sole purpose of providing lifetime care for unwanted or infirmed captive wildlife. Such wildlife sanctuary for captive wildlife shall be operated in compliance with the provisions of Fl. Admin. Code Chapter 68A-6, and this section.

Terms Used In Florida Regulations 68A-6.006

  • Corporation: A legal entity owned by the holders of shares of stock that have been issued, and that can own, receive, and transfer property, and carry on business in its own name.
    (a) Each wildlife sanctuary for captive wildlife must maintain and have available for inspection proof of current status as a Florida registered not-for-profit corporation and proof of current exemption from taxation under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and described in sections 501 (c)(3) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) of such code.
    (b) Acts which perpetuate the commercial trade in wildlife, including the trade, sale, offering for trade or sale, breeding except as authorized herein, or buying of captive wildlife or parts thereof, by any such wildlife sanctuary for captive wildlife are prohibited.
    (c) Full or incidental contact between the public and such captive wildlife as defined in Fl. Admin. Code R. 68A-6.016, is prohibited.
    (d) All wildlife maintained by such sanctuary for captive wildlife shall be permanently identified by means of tattoo, brand, passive integrated transponder (PIT tag), photographic identification, or other method that clearly and permanently identifies that particular specimen so as to be distinguished from other specimens of the same species.
    1. For photographic identification the photograph of the specimen must include sufficient distinguishing characteristics (marks, scars, and patterns, etc.) to enable that particular specimen to be distinguished from other specimens of the same species.
    2. Record of identification including PIT tag numbers where applicable, along with information about the specimen being identified (species, method of identification, specimen name or number, gender and age) must be maintained in the possessors records for as long as the specimen is possessed. Such records shall be made available for inspection, upon request, of commission personnel. A copy of such record shall be provided to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Law Enforcement, upon annual renewal of the license issued in accordance with Florida Statutes § 379.3761, and authorizing possession of such wildlife.
    (e) Rare, endangered or otherwise protected specimens of wildlife may be transferred for breeding purposes in instances where such breeding program clearly enhances the survival potential of the species.
    (f) Any sanctuary possessing Class I wildlife as listed in Fl. Admin. Code R. 68A-6.002, must meet the bonding or financial responsibility guarantee requirements of paragraphs 68A-6.005(3)(a)-(f), F.A.C.
    (2) Any person licensed in accordance with Florida Statutes § 379.3761, who possesses performing wildlife that due to its age or physical condition may no longer perform, may retain such retired performing wildlife for the purposes of providing lifetime care for said wildlife. Such retired performing wildlife shall be permanently identified and records maintained and submitted as prescribed in subparagraphs (1)(d)1.-2., above.
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented 379.303, 379.304, 379.3762 FS. History-New 6-21-82, Formerly 39-6.06, 39-6.006, Amended 9-30-19.