Florida says 5,195 cold-stunned green iguanas removed in two days as residents, agencies rallied under permit exemption
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says 5,195 invasive green iguanas were removed Feb. 1–2, 2026, after a rare cold snap left them immobile, allowing residents and agencies to collect them under a temporary permit exemption.
Key takeaways
- Total collected: 5,195 cold-stunned green iguanas turned in to FWC drop-off locations — FWC news release, Feb. 4, 2026.
- Collection sites: Sunrise — 3,882; Tequesta — 1,075; Marathon — 215; Fort Myers — 23 — as reported by FWC.
- Legal window: The effort followed Executive Order 26-03, which temporarily allowed removal and transport of live, cold-stunned iguanas to FWC offices.
How it happened: executive order, cold weather and a tight window
On Jan. 30, 2026, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Executive Order 26‑03, creating a short, legal window for residents and agencies to collect live, cold-stunned green iguanas and deliver them to FWC-designated offices. The exemption was narrow and expired after Feb. 2; the state reiterated that green iguanas remain a prohibited species and may not be kept or released.
Snow-like freezes are rare in South Florida. Temperatures dropped below about 45°F, a threshold at which green iguanas become “cold-stunned” — they stiffen, fall from trees and become immobile — creating an unusual opportunity to remove large numbers without confrontations or injury.
Numbers and logistics: how 5,195 animals were handled
The FWC reported that 5,195 cold-stunned green iguanas were turned in at four staffed locations during Feb. 1–2. The original plan called for five sites but was adjusted to four. Collection totals: Sunrise — 3,882; Tequesta — 1,075; Marathon — 215; Fort Myers — 23 (FWC).
FWC Executive Director Roger Young credited coordinated work across agency divisions, partner organizations and residents, saying the effort demonstrated how swift, organized response can reduce numbers and potential damage. Young stressed the animals’ “negative impacts on Florida’s environment and economy.”
What happened to the iguanas: euthanasia, sales and legality
After collection, animals followed several legal paths. Some were accepted by permitted holders who transport iguanas for lawful out-of-state sale; many were humanely euthanized by trained FWC staff. Media coverage and reporting described the agency’s euthanasia and handling protocols (FWC; Popular Science).
Legal framework: Green iguanas are a prohibited, nonnative species in Florida. Possession without permit is not allowed except under narrow exemptions such as the temporary executive order. On private property, people may remove or humanely kill iguanas year-round, subject to anti-cruelty laws and agency guidance.
Why the state acted: environmental and economic threats
Green iguanas, native to Central and South America, have established in South Florida. They eat plants, damage ornamental and agricultural vegetation, and dig burrows that undermine seawalls, canal banks and infrastructure. Local governments and homeowners face repair costs and landscape loss; the temporary removal window sought to reduce local populations and limit damage (FWC).
Public response and civil involvement
The FWC credited residents and visitors for much of the collection; video and reporting showed neighbors gathering stunned iguanas in yards and parks. The agency framed the two-day effort as an example of how state support plus civic action can tackle invasive species rapidly when conditions allow (Video of residents collecting cold-stunned iguanas; Fox News coverage).
Investigative notes: transparency, animal welfare and commerce
The two-day operation involved trade-offs. Officials emphasized public safety, legal compliance and humane handling, but animal-welfare advocates and some residents sought more detail on euthanasia criteria, dispersal to permit holders and vetting processes. The FWC releases provide high-level descriptions; some operational specifics remain sparse (FWC; Popular Science).
The sale of captured animals to permitted buyers for out-of-state commerce is lawful under Florida rules when handled by permit holders; that practice prompted questions from advocates who prefer complete removal and humane disposal. FWC notes permits and anti-cruelty statutes constrain improper treatment (EO 26-03 details).
Why this matters to the West — and what Walla Walla residents should know
Florida’s response offers lessons for Walla Walla and other Western communities facing invasive plants, rodents or pests:
Economic and property protections
- Invasive species cause repair bills and crop losses; planners should budget for early response and removal programs to reduce long-term costs (FWC).
Local control and civic action
- Short, clearly defined legal permissions and resident participation can be effective. Officials should consider emergency exemptions and publish safe handling rules.
Legal and ethical safeguards
- Balance removal with anti-cruelty law and permit oversight; clear rules protect property owners and prevent unregulated markets for wildlife.
Preparedness and early response
- Rapid response plans, staffing and drop-off arrangements can turn a short vulnerability window into a control opportunity; tabletop exercises and agency agreements help preparedness.
Public trust and transparent reporting
- Rapid, detailed public reporting prevents confusion — Florida’s official count (5,195) clarified circulating higher, unverified estimates (unverified PDF).
Resources and next steps for residents
Residents in Washington and Walla Walla should consult state wildlife resources and county extension offices for legal removal options and humane practices. Florida’s FWC maintains an information hub for nonnative wildlife at FWC’s green iguana page and guidance on the executive order at Executive Order 26‑03 details. For general nonnative species resources, see MyFWC.com/Nonnatives.
Source links and reporting notes
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission — Green iguanas removed after exemption
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission — Executive Order 26‑03 details
- Fox News coverage
- Popular Science on humane euthanasia reporting
- Unverified PDF claiming higher totals (not corroborated)
- Video of residents collecting cold-stunned iguanas
Reporting for this article relied on FWC public releases and statements at the Feb. 4 commission meeting in Tallahassee, national media coverage and public video shared by local reporters.
