Animal Care & Control

• Green iguanas can cause damage to residential and commercial landscape vegetation and are often considered a nuisance by property owners. Iguanas are attracted to trees with foliage or flowers, most fruits (except citrus) and almost any vegetable.
• Green iguanas can cause damage to infrastructure by digging burrows that erode and collapse sidewalks, foundations, seawalls, berms and canal banks.
• Although primarily herbivores, researchers found the remains of tree snails in the stomachs of green iguanas in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, suggesting that iguanas could present a threat to native and endangered species of tree snails.

• Green and spiny tail iguanas are not protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty laws and can be removed from private property year-round.
• The FWC encourages the removal of iguanas from private properties by landowners.
• All species of iguana may be humanely captured and removed from private property without a permit at any time.
• Captured iguanas can be kept as personal pets or can be humanely euthanized, but cannot be relocated and released at other locations in Florida.
• For the welfare of any caught animal, traps should be set in a shaded area.
• Homeowners that trap iguanas on their property can obtain euthanasia services from local exotic veterinarians, humane societies, or animal control offices.
• Iguanas are protected by anticruelty laws, and inhumane treatment of them is punishable by law.

• Deter the iguana by modifying the habitat around your home or humanely harassing the iguana using the following methods:
  • Removing plants that act as attractants
  • Filling in holes to discourage burrowing
  • Hanging wind chimes or other items that make intermittent noises
  • Hanging CDs that have reflective surfaces
  • Spraying the animals with water as a deterrent
• Never feed iguanas directly or inadvertently by leaving pet foods or ripened fruits outside. Avoid planting vegetation that iguanas eat. Iguana-resistant plants include:
  • Milkweed
  • Some pentas
  • Citrus
  • Some crotons
  • Tough, thick-leaved plants
• Protect valuable plants or gardens with cages or screened enclosures. Place a piece of sheet metal around a dock piling or tree trunk approximately 18 inches from the ground to prevent iguanas from climbing.

• Homeowners who capture other nonnative species and need help should call the FWC’s Exotic Species Hotline at 888.483.4681.
• Visit the FWC's Iguanas webpage.

Iguana Control is offering a $400 discount off the annual rate of $1,900 for residential properties under 1/2 acre.

Visit IguanaControl.com or call 954.588.3188 for more information.

If you come across an area with an influx of iguanas, please report it via our Miami Beach Gov app or call 305.604.CITY.