How Do You Dispose of Iguanas in Florida?

Florida’s iguana problem isn’t going away on its own. These spiny invaders aren’t just sunbathing on seawalls, they’re digging up yards, nesting in attics, and occasionally turning into unpleasant surprises inside your trash bin.

And when one dies (or needs to be legally removed), you’ve got more than just a creepy cleanup on your hands. Disposing of iguanas in Florida isn’t as simple as dragging a carcass to the curb.

There are specific rules, safety precautions, and surprisingly important steps to follow. This article cuts through the legal confusion and gives you real-world guidance, straight from the pros at AAAC Wildlife Removal. From safe handling to lawful disposal, we’ve got you covered so you don’t end up in hot water while trying to clean up cold blood.

Legal Reality – Know the Ground Rules

Before you grab a shovel or a trash bag, it’s crucial to understand what Florida law actually says about iguanas. Green iguanas are classified as invasive and non-native, which means they’re not protected by state conservation laws. However, they are protected by anti-cruelty laws, and mishandling, even after death, can still land you in legal trouble.

You’re allowed to humanely euthanize iguanas on private property if you have permission from the landowner. No permit is needed for this, and Florida even encourages humane removal due to the environmental damage these reptiles cause. That said, you can’t relocate them, not even to a “better” spot in the wild.

Once captured, an iguana must either be humanely put down or handed over to a licensed removal expert like AAAC Wildlife Removal. Disposal isn’t a free-for-all either. Many Florida counties have specific rules about animal carcass handling, and ignoring them can get you a hefty fine. Spoiler alert: tossing one over the fence or into the canal is definitely illegal, and yes, people have tried it. Always start with the law, then move to cleanup.

Safe-by-the-Letter Disposal Methods

Once you’ve confirmed the iguana is dead, and legally euthanized if necessary, it’s time to deal with disposal. The most common method is curbside trash pickup, but it’s not as simple as tossing it in with last night’s leftovers.

Florida counties often require the carcass to be double-bagged using heavy-duty garbage bags to prevent odor, contamination, or disturbing your neighbors. Always place the bag inside a secure outdoor bin on pickup day, not before. Burial is another approved option, especially for homeowners who don’t want it sitting in their trash bin.

Just be sure to bury the iguana at least 2 feet deep and far from water lines or storm drains. Keep it above the water table, especially in flood-prone areas, and avoid locations near vegetable gardens or pet areas. Some counties and HOAs have stricter rules, so always check with your local solid waste authority before you dispose. If that sounds like a hassle, you’re not alone, which is why many Florida residents just call AAAC Wildlife Removal to handle the dirty work the right way, the first time.

Before Disposal — Humane & Safe First

Just because iguanas are invasive doesn’t mean you can treat them carelessly. Florida law allows humane euthanasia of green iguanas on private property without a permit, but the keyword here is humane.

That means instant, painless methods performed by trained professionals, not DIY approaches that risk causing unnecessary suffering or violating anti-cruelty laws. Here’s what you need to know before you act:

• Humane euthanasia is legal on private property, but only if done correctly and with landowner permission.
• Improper methods can get you fined under Florida’s animal cruelty laws, even for invasive species.
• DIY euthanasia is risky and discouraged unless you have proper training and equipment.
• Relocating iguanas is illegal, even if your goal is to “let it live.” There’s zero legal wiggle room.
• Hiring a licensed wildlife expert like AAAC ensures it’s done quickly, legally, and humanely using AVMA-approved standards.

If you’re unsure about the process, it’s safer (and smarter) to let pros handle it. AAAC Wildlife Removal teams are trained, certified, and local, so they know exactly how to get it done right the first time.

AAAC’s Expert Tips

Disposing of iguanas isn’t just about the dead ones, it’s about making sure more don’t show up to replace them.

At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we’ve seen every trick invasive iguanas pull, and we know how to outsmart them long before it’s time for cleanup. Here are field-tested tips straight from our Florida technicians:

• Trim your palm and fruit trees: Iguanas love to scale trees and drop onto rooftops, patios, and pool decks. Trimming branches removes their “launch pads” and keeps them from climbing where they don’t belong.
• Check sneaky nesting spots: Female iguanas bury eggs in mulch beds, underneath decks, inside pool slides, and even in yard drains. If you’re seeing repeated iguana traffic, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with hidden nests.
• Install ground-level barriers: Use buried chicken wire, fencing skirting, or L-shaped barriers to block burrowing access under foundations, sheds, or sea walls. If they can’t dig, they can’t settle.
• Use motion-triggered deterrents: Water sprayers, reflective objects, and even wind chimes can discourage loitering. Iguanas prefer calm, quiet sunbathing zones, so disrupt their comfort without harming them.
• Don’t forget about droppings: Iguana waste spreads salmonella and ruins landscaping. If you’re seeing frequent mess, you may be dealing with more iguanas than you think.

Pro Tip: If you’ve spotted an iguana more than once, you’re likely not dealing with just one. Call in AAAC before the nesting season turns your backyard into a reptile condo.

Don’t Let Iguana Cleanup Become a Bigger Problem

Dealing with invasive iguanas is more than just a nuisance, it’s a legal and sanitary responsibility that can get messy fast if you don’t know what you’re doing. From state laws to disposal steps, every part of the process matters.

And let’s be honest, no one wants to be the neighbor who gets in trouble for tossing a lizard in the wrong bin. That’s where AAAC Wildlife Removal makes life easier.

We handle the hard parts; humanely, legally, and with zero judgment, so you don’t have to second-guess a single move. Whether you’re dealing with one iguana or a full-blown infestation, we’ve got the tools, the training, and the Florida know-how to get it done right.

Ready to Be Done With Iguanas for Good?

If you’re tired of playing zookeeper, trash hauler, or amateur exterminator, it’s time to call in the pros. AAAC Wildlife Removal knows exactly how to handle Florida’s iguana problem from capture to cleanup; no legal gray areas, no mess, and no stress.

Call us today or request a quote online to safely remove and dispose of those unwanted iguanas. Let’s get your yard back before they turn it into a sunbathing resort.