Full Breakdown
Florida's Cold Snap Triggers Emergency Iguana Collection Program
2/2/2026, 2:01:04 AM
Overview of the Executive Order
In response to an unprecedented cold weather event, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued Executive Order 26-03, allowing residents to collect cold-stunned green iguanas without a permit. This temporary program is active from February 1 to February 2, 2026, during which residents can surrender these invasive reptiles at designated FWC facilities.
The Impact of Cold Weather on Iguanas
Green iguanas, classified as a prohibited invasive species in Florida, are adversely affecting the state's environment and economy. When temperatures drop to near-freezing levels, these reptiles enter a state of torpor, becoming immobilized and often falling from trees. This phenomenon presents a unique opportunity for the FWC to manage the invasive species population effectively.
Collection Guidelines and Safety Protocols
Residents wishing to participate in the collection must adhere to strict safety protocols. The FWC advises collectors to wear protective gloves, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts to prevent scratches. Iguanas must be placed in secure, breathable cloth sacks that are tightly sealed and then transported in a secondary locked container labeled "Prohibited Reptiles." The collection is limited to property owners or individuals with explicit landowner permission, including on FWC-managed properties.
Designated Drop-Off Locations
The FWC has established five drop-off locations for the collected iguanas:
- FWC South Florida Regional Lab, 2796 Overseas Highway 119, Marathon
- FWC Office, 10052 NW 53rd Street, Sunrise
- FWC Tequesta Field Lab, 19100 SE Federal Highway, Tequesta
- FWC Law Enforcement Office, 2423 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers
- FWC Southwest Regional Office, 3900 Drane Field Road, Lakeland
These locations will accept iguanas on February 1 from 9 a.m. to noon and on February 2 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What Happens to Collected Iguanas
Once surrendered, the collected iguanas will either be humanely euthanized or, in select cases, transferred to permitted facilities for live animal sales. The FWC emphasizes that this initiative is particularly beneficial for residents who wish to remove iguanas but are unable or unwilling to euthanize them personally.
Broader Implications of Invasive Species Management
The FWC's executive order is part of a larger strategy to address Florida's invasive species crisis, which includes over 600 nonnative fish and wildlife species. The management of these species is crucial due to their negative impacts on native ecosystems, infrastructure, and public health.
Official Statements & Responses
The FWC stated, "Green iguanas are an invasive species in Florida and have adverse impacts on the state’s environment and economy." The agency views this cold snap as a rare opportunity for public involvement in invasive species management.
Eyewitness Accounts
Residents have reported finding numerous cold-stunned iguanas in their yards and communities. One participant, Marlon Smith, shared, "I had seen the news about the live iguana collections and I wanted to participate," after delivering a frozen iguana he found at a university field station.
Conclusion
The FWC's emergency collection program highlights the intersection of environmental management and community action during extreme weather events. As temperatures rise again, the standard regulations regarding iguana possession will resume, underscoring the importance of ongoing invasive species management in Florida.
