Learn about the requirements for moving swine into, out of and within Florida. 

Intrastate Movement (Movement Within Florida)

Exhibition Requirements

Florida-origin swine exhibiting in Public Annual Fairs permitted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (as defined by Chapter 616, Florida Statutes) must be accompanied by an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (OCVI), also known as a health certificate, dated not more than 90 days before exhibition. Official identification is required for all swine presented for exhibition. 

• It is recommended that exhibitors and show organizers/facilities have a biosecurity plan in place. Swine presented for exhibition should be maintained in isolation between exhibitions or move directly between exhibitions. Swine returning to the farm from exhibitions should be isolated from other swine for at least 30 days before being returned to the herd.

Testing requirements for exhibition swine:

• Brucellosis
  • Swine 6 months of age or older must be negative to an official test for brucellosis within 90 days prior to exhibition, or
  • Originate from a Validated Brucellosis-Free Swine Herd (the Validated Brucellosis-Free Herd number and date of the last certification test must be written on the OCVI), or
  • Originate from a commercial production swine herd. A commercial production swine herd is defined as a swine herd that is tested annually for brucellosis and found to be negative. These herds must be continuously managed with adequate facilities and biosecurity practices to prevent exposure to any transitional or feral swine.
• Pseudorabies
  • Swine 6 months of age or older must be negative to an official test for pseudorabies within 90 days prior to exhibition, or
  • Originate from a Qualified Pseudorabies-Negative Herd (the Qualified Pseudorabies-Negative Herd number and date of last certification test must be written on the OCVI), or
  • Originate from a commercial production swine herd. A commercial production swine herd is defined as a swine herd that is tested annually for pseudorabies and found to be negative. These herds must be continuously managed with adequate facilities and biosecurity practices to prevent exposure to any transitional or feral swine. Herd number and date of last certification test must be written on the OCVI.

Swine presented in terminal shows for exhibition as “market class” are exempt from the OCVI and brucellosis and pseudorabies test requirements, provided that following the exhibition all swine in the class are transported directly to a recognized slaughter establishment regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Movement Other Than Exhibition

According to Section 534.081, Florida Statutes, Florida-origin swine moving intrastate for reasons other than exhibition must be accompanied by proof of ownership, such as an owner-shipper statement, which must include:

• The name and address of the sender,
• The name and address of the buyer,
• The physical address of the point of origin,
• The physical address of the point of destination,
• The number of animals, and
• A description of the animals.

Florida-origin swine moving intrastate and not moving to an exhibition are exempt from the OCVI and test requirements.

Feral Swine Movement

Individuals trapping feral swine must register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) as a Feral Swine Dealer (FSD). The registered FSD will receive an identification card that must be carried on their person when moving feral swine. A Feral Swine Dealer Card can be obtained by completing the online application. If you have questions or need additional assistance, our office may be reached at (850) 410-0900 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All captured feral swine must be moved to one of the following approved locations:

• A recognized USDA Food Safety Inspection Service slaughtering establishment, or
• An approved feral swine holding facility licensed by FDACS. To hold feral swine on private property, the premises must be registered with FDACS as an Approved Feral Swine Holding Facility and must meet certain requirements. 

Interstate Movement (Movement Between States)

Importing Swine Into Florida

If you are importing swine into Florida from another state (otherwise known as interstate movement), there are certain rules that apply. Chapter 5C-3, Florida Administrative Code, states all requirements for the importation of animals into Florida.

Entry Requirements

Prior Permission Number

If you are bringing swine into Florida for any reason, you must obtain a prior permission number from the State Veterinarian's Office before you travel. If you do not have a prior permission number, you may be denied entry into the state with your animals.

The prior permission number can be obtained by filling out our online application. If you have questions or need additional assistance, our office may be reached at (850) 410-0900 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You must have the following information available:   

• Veterinarian information (certificate of veterinary inspection, testing dates or certification number),
• Consignor information (Where the animals are coming from),
• Consignee information (Where the animals are going) and
• Animal information (number, type).  

The prior permission number must be written on your OCVI or owner-shipper statement.

For accredited veterinarians issuing OCVIs for animals that require an entry permit, please  read this memo [ 219.1 kB ] .

Official USDA Individual Identification

For interstate movement, all swine must be individually identified with official identification unless the swine are kept as a group. The requirements for group shipment of swine are explained in 9 CFR 71.19 — Identification of Swine in Interstate Commerce.

Swine must be inspected by an accredited veterinarian who will issue an OCVI stating that the animals are free from infectious diseases and including the prior permission number.

Testing Requirements

Swine 6 months of age or older must test negative for brucellosis and pseudorabies within 30 days prior to importation or originate directly from a Validated Brucellosis-Free Herd and from a Qualified Pseudorabies-Negative Herd. The Validated and Qualified Herd numbers and the dates of the last certification tests within the past 12 months must be written on the OCVI.

Transitional Swine Movement

Transitional swine may be imported (moved into Florida) provided they are accompanied by an OCVI, have official identification, as outlined above, and have a prior permission number. Transitional swine imported into Florida, not consigned directly to a recognized slaughter facility, must test negative for pseudorabies and brucellosis on two consecutive official tests conducted not less than 30 days apart with the last testing being within 30 days of importation. They must be isolated from all other swine, from the time of the first pseudorabies and brucellosis test until imported into Florida. State of destination determines requirements for transitional swine exported (moved out of Florida to another state).

Feral Swine Movement

Feral swine may not be imported into Florida.

Swine Consigned Directly to a Recognized Slaughtering Establishment

The shipment must be consigned directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment.

An owner-shipper statement must be signed by the owner or agent and provide the following information:

• Prior permission number,
• The name and physical address of the consignor (person delivering the animals),
• The name and physical address of the consignee (person receiving the animals),
• The point of origin (premises where the animals originate),
• The point of destination (premises where the animals are being shipped),
• The number of animals and a description of the animals sufficient to identify them for any and all purposes (include age).

An OCVI and a negative test for swine brucellosis and pseudorabies virus are not required to enter the state.