Licensed vs. Unlicensed Iguana Removal in Florida: What the Law Requires (2025 Guide)

Choosing an iguana removal provider based solely on price is a mistake that costs many Florida property owners far more in the long run. Unlicensed operators cut corners, lack proper insurance, and may use illegal methods that expose you to liability.

This guide explains Florida's licensing framework, what credentials matter, how to verify providers, and why proper vetting protects both your property and your wallet.

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Florida's Licensing Framework for Iguana Removal

FWC Wildlife Control Operator License

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulates commercial wildlife control through their Wildlife Control Operator (WCO) licensing program.

When is a WCO license required?

• Anyone providing iguana removal services for compensation must be licensed
• This applies to individuals and companies operating commercially
• The license demonstrates knowledge of Florida wildlife laws and humane practices

License requirements:

• Pass FWC-administered examination
• Complete required training hours
• Submit to background check
• Maintain current registration
• Renew annually with continuing education

What the license covers:

• Legal authority to trap and remove nuisance wildlife
• Knowledge of humane handling requirements
• Understanding of species identification
• Compliance with anti-cruelty laws

Property Owner Exception

Important: Property owners can remove iguanas from their own property without a license. The FWC explicitly allows this:

"Green iguanas are not protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty law. They can be humanely killed on private property year-round with landowner permission."

This exception does NOT apply to:

• Providing removal services to others for payment
• Transporting live iguanas off the property
• Operating a commercial pest control business

Special Transport Permits

Florida law prohibits transporting live green iguanas without specific FWC authorization.

Why this matters:

• Some providers offer "off-site euthanasia" to spare clients from witnessing the process
• This requires a special transport permit from FWC
• Providers WITHOUT this permit who transport live iguanas are breaking the law
• If a provider claims they "relocate" iguanas, they're either lying or operating illegally

Learn more about the relocation myth →

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Insurance Requirements

Beyond licensing, proper insurance protects you from liability when providers work on your property.

General Liability Insurance

Recommended minimums:

• $1,000,000 per occurrence
• $2,000,000 aggregate
• Property damage coverage included
• Personal injury coverage included

What it covers:

• Damage to your property during removal operations
• Injuries to third parties
• Accidental damage to neighbors' property
• Legal defense costs

Workers' Compensation

Required when:

• Provider has employees (not just owner-operators)
• Any workers will be on your property

Why it matters:

• Without workers' comp, YOU may be liable if a worker is injured on your property
• Florida law is strict about this—injured workers can file claims against property owners
• Verify coverage before allowing any workers on-site

What Happens Without Insurance?

Scenario 1: Uninsured provider damages your seawall while filling burrows

• With insurance: Provider's policy covers repairs
• Without insurance: You pay out of pocket or sue in small claims court (good luck collecting)

Scenario 2: Provider's employee falls from your dock and breaks an arm

• With workers' comp: Their policy covers medical bills and lost wages
• Without workers' comp: You may be sued personally for medical expenses

Scenario 3: Trapped iguana escapes and bites neighbor's child

• With liability insurance: Provider's policy covers medical bills and legal costs
• Without insurance: Both you AND the provider may be sued

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Platform Verification Levels

Our platform uses a tiered verification system to help you identify trustworthy providers.

Unverified Providers

What it means:

• Provider has registered on the platform
• Basic contact information on file
• No documentation has been verified

Risk level: Highest

• Cannot confirm licensing status
• Insurance not verified
• No background check
• Use at your own risk

When to consider: Only for obtaining comparison quotes—never hire unverified providers for actual work

Verified Providers

What's been confirmed:

• ✓ Valid FWC Wildlife Control Operator license
• ✓ Current general liability insurance (minimums met)
• ✓ Business registration in Florida
• ✓ Contact information validated

Risk level: Moderate

• Basic credentials confirmed
• Still relies on self-reported information for some items
• No performance tracking
• No background verification

When appropriate: Acceptable for standard residential services when cost is a primary concern

Vetted Providers

What's been confirmed:

• ✓✓ All "Verified" requirements plus:
• ✓✓ Complete documentation review
• ✓✓ Background verification on principals
• ✓✓ Transport permit verified (if claiming off-site euthanasia)
• ✓✓ Performance monitoring (customer complaints tracked)
• ✓✓ Response time compliance
• ✓✓ Method verification (humane practices confirmed)

Risk level: Lowest

• Comprehensive vetting completed
• Ongoing monitoring for complaints
• Removed from platform for violations
• Higher accountability

When to choose: Recommended for all services, especially:

• HOA and commercial contracts
• Properties with significant value at risk
• Emergency services
• Ongoing maintenance relationships

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Risks of Unlicensed Providers

Legal Liability

You could be responsible for:

1. Improper euthanasia methods

   • If your hired provider uses inhumane methods, you could face animal cruelty charges
   • "I didn't know" is not a legal defense

2. Illegal release

   • If provider illegally releases iguanas elsewhere, you could be implicated
   • Fines exceed $500 per animal

3. Workplace injuries

   • Without proper insurance, injured workers may sue you directly
   • Your homeowner's insurance likely won't cover commercial activities

Property Damage Risks

Common problems with unlicensed operators:

• Incomplete removal: Catch the easy iguanas, miss the breeding population
• Structural damage: Improper burrow filling can cause more damage than the burrows
• Equipment damage: Inexperienced handling of traps near AC units, pools, etc.
• No recourse: Without insurance, recovering damages requires costly litigation

Health and Safety Risks

Unlicensed providers often:

• Don't use proper PPE when handling iguanas (Salmonella risk)
• May use dangerous methods (illegal poisons, unsafe traps)
• Lack training in bite/injury prevention
• Don't properly sanitize equipment between properties

Financial Risks

Scenario	Licensed/Insured Provider	Unlicensed Provider
Provider damages property	Insurance covers	You pay or sue
Worker injured on your property	Workers' comp covers	You may be liable
Incomplete removal	Often guaranteed	Problem returns, pay again
Illegal methods used	Provider liable	You may share liability
Provider disappears	Insurance claim possible	Total loss

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Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Essential Questions

1. "What is your FWC Wildlife Control Operator license number?"

   • Should provide immediately
   • Verify at MyFWC.com
   • Red flag: Hesitation, excuses, or refusal

2. "Can you provide a certificate of insurance?"

   • Should email or show on-site
   • Verify coverage amounts and dates
   • Red flag: "I'm bonded" (bonding ≠ insurance)

3. "How do you euthanize captured iguanas?"

   • Should describe humane methods (captive bolt, cranial dispatch)
   • Red flag: Vague answers, claims of "relocation," or "don't worry about it"

4. "Do you have a transport permit for live animals?"

   • Only ask if they offer off-site euthanasia
   • Should provide permit number
   • Red flag: Yes to off-site but no permit

5. "What guarantee do you offer?"

   • Reputable providers guarantee results
   • Should include follow-up visits if iguanas return
   • Red flag: No guarantee, "iguanas always come back" defeatism

Warning Signs

Don't hire providers who:

• Operate cash-only with no documentation
• Won't provide license or insurance information
• Quote significantly below market rates
• Claim to "relocate" iguanas (illegal without permit)
• Refuse to explain their methods
• Have no physical business address
• Can't provide references
• Pressure you to decide immediately
• Won't provide written contracts or estimates

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How to Verify Credentials

FWC License Verification

1. Visit MyFWC.com
2. Search "Wildlife Control Operator"
3. Enter provider's name or license number
4. Confirm license is current and active
5. Note any disciplinary actions

Insurance Verification

1. Request Certificate of Insurance (COI)
2. Call the insurance company directly (number on COI)
3. Verify coverage is active and amounts are sufficient
4. Ask about any pending claims or cancellations
5. Ensure your property address will be covered

Business Verification

1. Search Florida Division of Corporations (SunBiz.org)
2. Verify business is active and in good standing
3. Note registered agent and principal names
4. Check for any liens or judgments

Review Verification

1. Check Google Reviews (look for patterns, not just ratings)
2. Search BBB complaints
3. Ask for direct references from similar properties
4. Search provider name + "complaints" or "scam"

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The True Cost of "Cheap" Service

Case Study: The Bargain Provider

A Broward County homeowner hired an unlicensed provider offering removal at $75/visit (market rate: $200-300).

What happened:

• Provider trapped 4 iguanas over 2 visits ($150 total)
• Problem seemed solved for 2 months
• Population rebounded—provider had only caught juveniles
• Breeding adults remained in burrow system
• By year's end: 15+ iguanas, seawall damage discovered
• Licensed provider assessment: $8,000 for proper removal + $12,000 seawall repair

Total cost of "savings": $20,150 instead of ~$800 for proper service initially

Case Study: The Insurance Gap

A Palm Beach HOA hired a "verified" provider (not vetted) who turned out to have lapsed insurance.

What happened:

• Worker fell from ladder, broke leg
• Provider's insurance had lapsed 60 days prior
• Worker sued HOA for $340,000
• HOA's commercial policy excluded wildlife control activities
• Settlement: $180,000 from HOA reserves

Lesson: Verify insurance is current at time of service, not just that they "have" insurance

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Conclusion

The difference between licensed, properly insured providers and unlicensed operators isn't just about credentials—it's about protecting yourself from significant financial and legal risk.

Key takeaways:

1. Always verify FWC license before hiring any provider
2. Confirm current insurance with appropriate coverage limits
3. Ask about methods—humane practices are legally required
4. Be suspicious of "relocation" claims—it's illegal without permits
5. Don't choose based on price alone—the cheapest option often costs most

The premium for properly licensed, vetted providers is minimal compared to the risks of unlicensed operators. When you're protecting your property from invasive species, hire professionals who protect you too.

Ready to find vetted, licensed providers?

Browse vetted providers →

Learn about removal costs →

Understand removal methods →