Cervids (Deer, Elk, Moose) Movement Requirements

Important Notice

While currently not in Florida, New World screwworm (NWS), has been detected in the United States. An NWS Certificate of Animal Movement with prior permission number is required for all warm-blooded animals originating from Infested Zones. For a list of NWS-affected states and the additional interstate import requirements, please visit www.FDACS.gov/nws.

Livestock requiring a prior permission number for routine interstate import into the state of Florida must obtain a species-specific permit in addition to an NWS permit (if required).

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.

If you plan to move Cervidae species within Florida, you must obtain a permit from the State Veterinarian's Office before transport. The movement permit can be obtained by completing our online application in the Animal Movement Requests Portal. If you have questions or need additional assistance, our office may be reached at (850) 410-0900 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The following information is needed for Cervidae Movement Permits:

Origin facility/owner name, facility address and contact information;
Destination facility/owner name, facility address and contact information;
Number and species of deer; and
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:

Health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian in the state of origin, dated within 30 days of entry.
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.
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.