Illegal to own tarantulas in Florida

[Tim Benzedrine]

Yeah, pretty much a colony. Now, maybe given enough time they could spread, but I'm not even sure they could be qualified as invasive even at that, in the accepted definition of the term. A spider could be an invader, but generally I think "invasive" is defined by rapid spread with a detrimental effect in the environment. I think there are non natives that have established themselves here that merely established themselves without much in the way of negative impact. I'm not a biologist, but would think that things such as a rapidly expanding population, competing with native species, agricultural impact, threat to humans, vectors for disease and probably many more pieces of criteria would be involved in categorizing a species as an invasive species of concern. On the other hand, the example of B. vagans must not be that big of a concern because I'd think we'd have heard more about measures taken to eradicate them.

 

[DVirginiana]

In biology there's no real set definition between what defines a non-native and what defines an invasive, but it's basically the same as what's been said.
If they can form stable breeding populations (like the vagans seem to) as opposed to just the survival of an individual, then I'd say they are way closer to being considered invasive than just non-native.
The 'skunk ape' down in Florida is a good example of a non-native IMO. Seems like someone threw out a chimp that has been able to survive, but it's just him and he's not breeding.

 

[Slimdean]

No sure how true that is because there are several stores here in Orlano that sell tarantulas. One of them being petland, I could understand the other being mom and pops and just being shadey but petland I'm pretty sure couldn't be sneaky about it if they actively investigate.

 

[tonypace2009]

No sure how true that is because there are several stores here in Orlano that sell tarantulas. One of them being petland, I could understand the other being mom and pops and just being shadey but petland I'm pretty sure couldn't be sneaky about it if they actively investigate.

the Op said they just received email of regulations mite be new just passed.I would like to view the regulation with my own eyes. But Florida likes to make and pass laws and regulations without others even knowing about it. I really hope this is a false alarm. The biggest issue I see with a tarantula ban is it will make sneaking them in and out profitable. Bans never work if there is a demand a supply will become available. Permits are usually just a way to make money. Honestly if they require a permit hopefully it doesn't cost much. Right now I have a non native fire ants that I am apparently keeping and native mosquitoes and hope wildlife and FISHERIES WILL COM AND CONFISCATE.

 

[shawno821]

We been trolled....

 

[vespers]

We been trolled....

I'm starting to think so too...keeper2013 was on the forum last night, many hours after starting this thread and never responded any further.

 

[horanjp]

Nobody on AB lives in Florida, right?

RIGHT?

:sarcasm:

shhhhh....

 

[BobGrill]

That information is outdated. Ask poec if you don't believe me.

 

[XBabysinX]

I've heard this rumor but I for one see no evidence to support it, I've done plenty of research. Honestly I could careless about it whether it's true or not because I'll always own tarantulas, they can ban them without permits all they want, Florida will not steal my happiness.

 

[Chris LXXIX]

I've heard this rumor but I for one see no evidence to support it, I've done plenty of research. Honestly I could careless about it whether it's true or not because I'll always own tarantulas, they can ban them without permits all they want, Florida will not steal my happiness.

I agree with you, honest Tarantulas enthusiasts/scholars have the right to own worldwide and care for their precious little creatures. Ban Tarantulas = Unfair

 

[Spoodergirl]

New T owner here, but not new to this subject. I'm a big herp guy too. Florida, as gloomy as it is, is now serving as something of a cautionary tale about bad pet owners.

Ever since some lazy and irresponsible people released Burmese Pythons into the Everglades and canals, Florida has been in hyper-drive ban mode. They're even thinking of banning Ball Pythons from what I hear. Ball Pythons, of all things! Society... well. It works itself into a furor and freaks out like a soccer mom sometimes.

If people just were more responsible, and TRUSTED their animals more, then maybe things like this wouldn't happen.

What I find funny about the whole "illegal to keep tarantulas" notion is this: beekeepers. Every state has them and it's legal to keep hundreds of thousands of bees that require a suit to deal with, but one tarantula, oh no, Armageddon. I knew a kid who kept Copperheads in my neighborhood that he would catch. Did animal control bust in and take them? No.

It seems like if it doesn't hurt anyone except possibly you? People should just calm down. You're ultimately responsible as the pet owner.

Burmese pythons escaped from a breeding facility during a hurricane-not irresponsible pet owners. Fact.

 

[antinous]

Burmese pythons escaped from a breeding facility during a hurricane-not irresponsible pet owners. Fact.

This threads a bit old, but even though most of the Burmese pythons did escape during the hurricane, there are bound to have been some that have been some as by irresponsible pet owners as well

 

[MetalMan2004]

Burmese pythons escaped from a breeding facility during a hurricane-not irresponsible pet owners. Fact.

Thats a 3 year old fight you’re picking there...

 

[SonsofArachne]

Thats a 3 year old fight you’re picking there...

Reminds me of my mom getting together with my aunts.