FL S1266

Elevates the penalty for knowingly releasing or allowing the escape of nonnative venomous reptiles from a Level Three to a Level Four violation (third-degree felony), while keeping nonnative reptiles of concern at Level Three

Creates a new Level Four violation for purchasing, selling, attempting to sell, bartering, exchanging, trading, or importing venomous reptiles without first obtaining a special permit or license from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Adds venomous reptiles to the list of wildlife that triggers a Level Three violation when housing rules are violated resulting in escape, alongside Class I wildlife

Classifies violations involving venomous reptiles alongside Class I wildlife housing violations when the result is an escape

Effective date of July 1, 2023