More than 5,000 cold-stunned invasive green iguanas removed in two-day FWC exemption as Florida weathers record freeze
During a two-day exemption Feb. 1–2, 2026, Florida residents removed and turned in 5,195 cold-stunned invasive green iguanas to FWC offices after a record freeze left the reptiles immobile, enabling legal collection without a permit.
Key takeaways
- 5,195 cold-stunned iguanas were collected statewide and brought to designated offices.
- 3,882 were dropped off at the Sunrise FWC office near Fort Lauderdale.
- Removals were allowed under Executive Order 26-03 (Jan. 30, 2026) during an emergency window.
- FWC coordinated transfers to permitted holders; animals that could not be transferred were humanely euthanized by trained staff.
Main content
Removal summary and numbers
Over the two-day collection period on Feb. 1–2, 2026, residents turned in a total of 5,195 cold-stunned green iguanas to four designated FWC locations. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported the totals and distribution in its announcement.
Drop-off breakdown:
- Sunrise: 3,882 iguanas (major drop-off site)
- Tequesta: 1,075 iguanas
- Marathon: 215 iguanas
- Fort Myers: 23 iguanas
Authority and timing
The removals were authorized under Executive Order 26-03, issued Jan. 30, 2026, which temporarily allowed people to remove live, cold-stunned green iguanas without a permit and deliver them to designated FWC offices. The FWC opened specified drop-off windows on Sunday, Feb. 1 and Monday, Feb. 2; five offices accepted animals on Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon and on Monday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., per the agency announcement.
Background — why the exemption was issued
South Florida experienced record-setting cold that left many green iguanas immobile or “cold-stunned”, a condition that renders reptiles lethargic and unable to seek shelter. State wildlife managers said the narrow, emergency exemption was necessary to allow landowners and residents to safely remove these nonnative animals when they could not escape the cold on their own. The FWC described the rule change as brief and specific to the emergency conditions in its executive-order materials (Executive order and background).
Handling, coordination and disposition of animals
FWC staff coordinated transfers with permitted holders authorized to possess live green iguanas. Where transfers were possible, animals were moved to permit holders for lawful placement or sale. Iguanas that could not be transferred were humanely euthanized by trained FWC personnel. The agency emphasized that, outside the emergency window, green iguanas remain a prohibited species in Florida and cannot be possessed without a permit (FWC).
Why the agency says the effort worked
“The removal of over 5,000 of these nonnative lizards in such a short time span was only possible thanks to the coordinated efforts of many staff members in multiple FWC divisions and offices, our partners and, of course, the many residents that took the time to collect and turn in cold-stunned iguanas from their properties,”
— Roger Young, FWC Executive Director (reported at the Feb. 4 commission meeting)
That credit was reflected in the agency’s Feb. 4 commission report and media coverage (FWC; coverage).
Regulatory context and public options
Green iguanas are classified as a prohibited species in Florida due to documented harm to native plants, wildlife and infrastructure. Owners and residents may humanely kill green iguanas on private property year-round or with landowner permission, but possession, sale and transport are otherwise restricted except under special permits. The executive order was a narrow, temporary exception that has now closed; the FWC is no longer accepting live green iguanas from the public (FWC; EO details).
Questions an investigative look raises
The rapid, large-scale removal drew praise but also raises policy and operational questions for wildlife managers and the public. Key issues include:
- Preparedness: How well equipped are agencies to respond to sudden climatic events that incapacitate invasive animals?
- Safeguards: What measures prevent illegal transport or release after animals are moved?
- Balance: How can agencies weigh public safety, animal welfare and invasive-species control during emergency rule changes?
Answers to these questions will shape after-action guidance for future cold events and broader invasive-species management (FWC reporting).
Implications for San Diego, California
Economic impact
- Pet trade and local businesses: San Diego retailers and hobbyists could face heightened scrutiny and record-keeping requirements for exotic reptile sales.
- Local control costs: Increased monitoring, removal and public education could raise county and city expenses; proactive monitoring is typically less costly than emergency responses.
Political consequences
- Policy reviews: San Diego officials may consider emergency exemptions and public drop-off strategies modeled on Florida’s response.
- Cross-jurisdiction coordination: The event highlights the need for clear communication between state agencies, local governments and the public.
Social effects and cultural relevance
- Homeowner liability: Residents should be reminded of local laws governing exotic-pet possession and release.
- Volunteer engagement: Agency-supervised volunteer networks could help with monitoring and humane capture during emergencies.
- Pet culture and ethics: Conversations about responsible ownership and ethical rehoming are likely to intensify.
- Climate framing: Extreme weather events can create unusual wildlife situations, shifting public preparedness conversations.
Practical applications for San Diego residents
- Don’t release nonnative pets: Use local shelters, rescues or licensed permit holders to rehome animals.
- Know local rules: San Diego County and California regulations differ from Florida’s—check with local authorities before capturing or relocating wildlife.
- Report sightings: Notify local wildlife authorities instead of moving nonnative reptiles alone.
- Prepare simple plans: Homeowners can reduce habitat attractiveness through maintenance and exclusion measures.
Reporting and sources
FWC staff documented collection numbers and disposition plans at the Feb. 4 commission meeting in Tallahassee. Media coverage and agency briefings provided context on logistics and the legal framework for the temporary exemption.
