More than 5,000 cold-stunned iguanas removed in two days under Florida permit exemption
More than 5,000 invasive green iguanas were removed from South Florida over two days in Feb. 2026 after record cold stunned the reptiles, allowing public collection under a short Florida Fish and Wildlife permit exemption tied to an executive order.
- Rapid action: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission coordinated a two-day collection that yielded 5,195 cold-stunned iguanas.
- Public role: Residents were authorized to collect and deliver animals to designated drop-off sites under a temporary exemption to permit rules.
- Disposition: Viable iguanas were transferred to permitted holders for potential out-of-state sale; others were humanely euthanized by trained staff.
What happened and why it mattered
Record cold in late January and early February left many green iguanas immobile at temperatures below about 45°F, creating a short window for removal of large numbers of this invasive species. On Jan. 30, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 26-03, temporarily suspending certain permit rules. The EO allowed members of the public to capture and transport live, cold-stunned iguanas to FWC offices without the usual permits, provided animals were brought only to designated drop-off sites and handlers followed humane handling rules. Drop-off hours were Feb. 1 (9 a.m.–noon) and Feb. 2 (8 a.m.–4 p.m.). The exemption closed after Feb. 2.
Collection totals and logistics
The FWC announced Feb. 4, 2026, that 5,195 cold-stunned green iguanas were collected and delivered to FWC offices during the two-day window — figures drawn from the agency’s public accounting and press materials (FWC news release).
- Sunrise: 3,882
- Tequesta: 1,075
- Marathon (South Florida Regional Lab): 215
- Fort Myers: 23
An earlier announcement listed five planned drop-off locations, but final tallies show four active sites (FWC news release; WGCU coverage).
How the response worked
FWC staff coordinated with partner agencies and residents to enable rapid collection. The public was allowed to collect cold-stunned iguanas only from their own properties or land where they had permission. People were instructed to bring animals alive and to follow safety and humane-handling guidance provided by the agency (FWC news release).
Once delivered, FWC assessed animals. Those that were viable and could be legally transferred were given to permitted holders who can legally take the animals out of Florida for sale. Animals too weak or injured were humanely euthanized by trained staff — a step officials say is taken when animals cannot be saved (FWC news release; PopSci).
Why officials acted
Green iguanas are a nonnative, prohibited species in Florida and are not afforded state protection beyond anti-cruelty laws. The FWC notes they can damage native wildlife habitats, landscaping and infrastructure, and pose disease risks. Property owners may kill iguanas on private land or with landowner permission year‑round without a permit, but the EO provided a short, controlled pathway for the public to hand live animals directly to FWC for humane handling, disposal, or transfer (EO text and guidance; FWC scene-setting).
Coverage and context
Local and national outlets reported on the two-day collection effort and its unusual scale. WGCU detailed FWC’s numbers and the public’s role (WGCU). National coverage noted both the legal change enabling public collection and the humane-handling provisions (Fox News).
Investigative points and unanswered questions
- Long-term removal strategy: Removing 5,195 animals in two days is notable, but green iguanas are well established. How will FWC measure the long-term impact of short-term removal events? (FWC).
- Disposition transparency: Which permitted holders received animals, and where were they taken? Further disclosure or public records requests could clarify how many animals were sold and under what conditions. (FWC).
- Animal welfare steps: What protocols and oversight govern euthanasia decisions and methods? The PopSci analysis offers additional context on handling frozen iguanas. (PopSci).
- Public safety and training: What guidance, supplies or safeguards did FWC provide to reduce risk to people handling stressed or injured animals? (FWC).
Implications for San Luis Obispo, California
Economic impact: San Luis Obispo County does not currently have a green iguana problem, but the Florida operation shows how invasive reptiles can affect tourism, landscaping costs and municipal infrastructure. Local nurseries, golf courses and property owners could face similar costs if a nonnative species became established.
Political consequences: The FWC’s temporary EO enabled quick action. Local leaders in SLO could consider pre-authorized emergency rules or clearer removal guidance for invasive species after extreme weather events, and voters may push for funding early-response programs.
Social effects: Florida relied on homeowners to collect animals. In SLO, public participation can speed response but raises liability and welfare concerns; outreach should emphasize safe reporting and use of trained professionals.
Cultural relevance & practical steps: Any invasive-species plan should align with community values — humane treatment, habitat protection and respect for private property. Residents can reduce risks by securing compost and food sources, reporting unusual animals to authorities, and following guidance from state agencies. Useful resources include FWC pages on invasive iguanas and nonnative species for deterrents and professional removal options (FWC news release; EO details).
Reporting and sources
This report is based on the FWC’s Feb. 4 news release and Executive Order 26-03 details, plus regional and national coverage documenting the two-day effort and aftermath. Primary sources and background reading:
- FWC news release
- Executive Order 26-03 details
- WGCU environmental coverage
- Fox News coverage
- Popular Science analysis on handling cold-stunned iguanas
“The operation depended on coordinated FWC staff, partner agencies and residents who collected cold-stunned animals from private properties,” FWC Executive Director Roger Young said during a Feb. 4 Commission meeting (FWC news release).
Note: All original facts, counts and source links are preserved above for reference and verification.
