FWC approves final proposed rule amendments for wildlife trapping

At this week's Commission meeting in Tallahassee, Commissioners of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted to approve final proposed rule amendments to wildlife trapping. The changes are effective Dec. 31, 2026.

These rule changes address allowed trap types, design specifications, placement, check times and disposition of captured wildlife. The changes more closely align with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies' best management practices, which ensure that trapping is humane, species-specific and effective.

"These updates modernize Florida's trapping rules and reflect decades of advancements in research and technology since the rules were last revised," said FWC Chief Conservation Officer George Warthen. "Thank you to our staff, the public, and to the trapping Technical Assistance Group for working together to develop these improvements."

With few exceptions, these changes require annual registration and training at no cost for anyone using traps to capture wildlife. All registered trappers will also be required to submit an annual report about their trapping activities.

For more information about these rule changes, visit MyFWC.com/TrappingRules.