March 2026
Final Rule Approval – February 2026
At its February 2026 Commission meeting in Tallahassee, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted to approve final rule amendments governing wildlife trapping in Florida. The approved rules will take effect December 31, 2026, a date updated from an earlier proposed July 1, 2026, effective date to allow additional time for compliance.
FWC stated that the rule changes modernize trapping regulations, address advancements in research and technology and align Florida’s rules more closely with Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) best management practices. FWC leadership specifically acknowledged the contributions of stakeholders and the Technical Assistance Group in shaping the outcome.
Background
Florida’s wildlife trapping rules were last substantially updated in the 1970s and, over time, have become misaligned with both modern trapping practices and the AFWA’s Best Management Practices for Trapping in the United States, as well as regulations in other Southeastern states.
Beginning in 2021, the FWC initiated a multi-year effort to modernize its trapping regulations. Following significant stakeholder concern and public comment—including input from Florida Farm Bureau—the initial proposed rule updates were postponed.
In January 2024, FWC established a Trapping Rules Technical Assistance Group (TAG) to provide structured stakeholder input. Florida Farm Bureau Federation participated as a member of the TAG to represent agricultural interests throughout the rule development process.
Over numerous meetings, FWC staff presented draft proposals and incorporated feedback from the TAG and other stakeholders. Several proposals—particularly those affecting agricultural trapping practices—were modified as a direct result of this engagement.
Key Changes Refined After November 2025
FWC staff made several adjustments to proposals previously presented to the Commission in November 2025 to provide clarity, address stakeholder concerns, and reflect Commission direction. These refinements include:
- Updating the effective date to December 31, 2026
- Removing the age exemption for required trapping training
- Revising foothold trap specifications to require an opening of 3/16 of an inch, consistent with the original intent of the rule
- Adding a nuisance permit option allowing the take of beaver using specific foothold traps under limited circumstances
- Limiting nuisance permits to a 30-day duration
- Expanding allowable use of glue traps to include enclosed conveyances (inside enclosed portions of vehicles, trailers, tractors, etc.), in addition to enclosed buildings
- Clarifying requirements related to remote monitoring, trap check intervals, and the disposition of captured wildlife
Final Rules – Key Provisions Affecting Agriculture
Trap Types and Design
- Final rules address allowed trap types, design specifications, placement, and check times.
- Improvements were made during the TAG process to preserve flexibility for agricultural trapping practices, including allowing fully closed-top hog traps of any size, subject to door/opening requirements.
- Some trap specification changes, including foothold trap design requirements, may still affect commonly used predator traps.
Registration, Training, and Reporting
- With limited exceptions, anyone using traps to capture wildlife must complete annual registration and training, provided by FWC at no cost.
- All registered trappers must submit an annual trapping activity report, summarizing trapping activities over the reporting period.
Glue Traps
- Glue traps may not be placed outdoors, except when used inside enclosed conveyances (inside enclosed portions of vehicles, trailers, tractors, etc.).
- Glue traps remain allowable inside enclosed buildings.
Remote Monitoring and Trap Checks
- Remote monitoring devices must provide a real-time image at intervals not exceeding 12 hours.
- Trappers must physically inspect a trap within 12 hours of becoming aware that an animal has been captured.
- If a monitoring device fails or misses a 12-hour interval, the trap must be physically inspected within 24 hours of the last image or last physical inspection, whichever is most recent.
- These requirements ensure that no captured animal remains in a trap longer than 24 hours, except for animals captured in cage traps and relocated or humanely killed offsite in accordance with Rules 68A-9.010 or 68A-9.012, F.A.C.
Farm Bureau Perspective
Florida Farm Bureau Federation supports responsible, science-based wildlife management and the ability of farmers and ranchers to protect crops, livestock, and property from nuisance and predatory wildlife.
While the final rules reflect meaningful improvements based on agricultural input—particularly regarding hog trap flexibility and implementation timelines, Farm Bureau continues to evaluate how new registration, reporting, training, and trap specification requirements may impact agricultural producers and professional trappers operating on private lands.
Farm Bureau appreciates FWC’s willingness to engage stakeholders through the TAG process and will remain involved as these rules move toward implementation.
Additional Information
FWC has published detailed explanations of the final trapping rules, organized by trap type here.