Cervids (Deer, Elk, Moose) Movement Requirements

Intrastate Movement (Movement Within Florida)

A permit for movement of Cervidae species from one facility to another in Florida is required by Rule 5C-26.004, Cervidae Movement.

You can apply for a permit by fax at (850) 410-0946 or email at AnimalPermits@FDACS.gov.

Applications must include:

1. Origin facility/owner name, facility address and contact information;
2. Destination facility/owner name, facility address and contact information;
3. Number and species of deer; and
4. Tag numbers for individual deer (official or farm tag numbers are acceptable).

Both the Consignor (Origin Owner) and Consignee (Destination Owner) shall possess and provide for inspection a valid Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) license or permit to possess wildlife, as required by rule or law.

Consignee’s and consignor’s herds shall be registered and comply with the requirements of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Cervidae Herd Health Plan.

Interstate Movement (Moving into Florida)

FWC and FDACS have dual roles in permitting imports of Cervidae species into the state.

There is currently a ban on importation of all Cervidae species by FWC Rule 68A-4.0051.

The only exceptions are zoo-to-zoo transfers (except for whitetail deer) and reindeer for exhibition for 90 days or less. For these exceptions, there are three basic requirements to enter Florida:

1. Health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian in the state of origin, dated within 30 days of entry.
2. FWC Transport Permit for Captive Wildlife (Class 3), which can be obtained from the FWC headquarters office in Tallahassee at (850) 488-6253. Please submit the application one to two weeks in advance of the expected shipment.
3. Written permit or Certificate of Animal Movement, which must be obtained in advance by applying to the State Veterinarian’s Office at (850) 410-0900.