What Do They Do With the Iguanas They Catch in Florida?

Florida’s iguana problem is no secret. These invasive reptiles have taken over sea walls, sidewalks, gardens, and rooftops from Miami to Fort Myers. They burrow relentlessly, leave droppings everywhere, and damage native plant life without remorse.

So when they’re caught, what actually happens to them? Most people assume they’re released into the wild, turned into jerky, or taken to reptile sanctuaries. The truth? None of those are legal, and most of them aren’t humane either. This guide breaks down exactly what happens when iguanas are captured, and why it matters who’s doing the catching.

Why Are Iguanas Being Caught in the First Place?

Green iguanas aren’t just sunbathing nuisances anymore, they’re officially classified as an invasive species in Florida. That means they don’t belong here, they cause damage, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages their removal. These reptiles reproduce fast, survive well in urban areas, and compete with native wildlife for food and shelter.

They also pose real risks to properties. Iguanas dig burrows that can erode sidewalks, crack seawalls, and undermine building foundations. Their droppings can carry salmonella and pile up in backyards, pools, and patios. Landscapers especially hate them for tearing up expensive tropical plants, flowers, and vegetables.

The environmental side matters too. Green iguanas consume the eggs of endangered native species, damage mangroves, and disrupt ecosystems across Florida’s coastal zones. All this adds up to one thing: the state doesn’t just allow removal, it urges property owners to act.

What Florida Law Says About Iguana Removal and Disposal?

Florida law gives both homeowners and licensed professionals the authority to remove iguanas from private property, no permit needed. However, there’s a strict catch: once captured, iguanas cannot be relocated, released into the wild, or kept as pets. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), all captured green iguanas must be humanely euthanized.

The law allows humane killing methods such as captive bolt guns or CO2 chambers. Firearms may be used in certain counties, but only when local ordinances permit it and safety is guaranteed. It’s not a free-for-all, animal cruelty laws still apply, and improper euthanasia or disposal can result in legal consequences.

There’s also a requirement for safe, sanitary disposal. Iguana carcasses can’t be dumped in trash bins or on public land. Professionals are expected to use biohazard services, incineration, or secure burial practices to prevent contamination or public health issues. In short, the law makes one thing very clear: catching an iguana is only half the job, what happens next must follow strict rules.

What Professional Wildlife Removal Companies Actually Do?

When it comes to dealing with invasive iguanas, professionals like AAAC Wildlife Removal follow a far more responsible and legally sound process than your average DIY trapper. Here’s what goes into every job behind the scenes:

Humane Capture Comes First

Before any trap is set, our technicians assess the property to identify high-activity zones and nesting sites. We use a combination of live-capture traps, thermal cameras, and safe handling gear to catch iguanas with minimal stress.

It’s not about aggression, it’s about precision and safety for everyone involved. Property owners are kept informed throughout the process.

We confirm legal access, provide safety briefings, and document each step of the capture. That includes logs of captured iguanas, equipment used, and any follow-up recommendations to prevent future infestations.

Euthanasia and Disposal Are Done By the Book

Once an iguana is caught, what happens next must follow Florida law to the letter. That means no re-releasing, no random drop-offs, and definitely no cruel methods.

We use AVMA-approved euthanasia techniques such as CO2 chambers or captive bolt devices, practices that prioritize humane treatment even for invasive pests. After that, we don’t just toss the animal in a dumpster.

The remains are handled through authorized bio-waste disposal services, which may include incineration or deep burial depending on county guidelines. Everything is done discreetly, cleanly, and legally to protect both people and the environment.

Prevention and Education

Removal is just one part of the job. After the iguanas are gone, our team provides expert advice on how to keep them from coming back. That can mean sealing off burrows, trimming overhanging vegetation, or installing exclusion barriers.

We also educate property owners on what attracts iguanas in the first place, and how to eliminate those attractants fast. On top of that, we often help clarify the law for clients who may not know the rules around iguana handling.

Many assume releasing them is legal or harmless, when in fact, it’s not. Our goal is to remove the problem and prevent future ones with full transparency and accountability.

What Happens When Untrained People Get Involved?

Let’s be real: not everyone trapping iguanas in Florida is following the rulebook. Social media is flooded with clips of backyard trappers, air rifle hunters, and people tossing iguanas in garbage bins or backyard freezers. While it might rack up views, this kind of DIY removal often strays into illegal, dangerous, or flat-out cruel territory.

The biggest issue? Most untrained individuals don’t know that releasing a captured iguana is illegal. Some assume they’re doing the humane thing by letting it go in a park or canal. What they’re really doing is reintroducing a destructive species back into the environment, and potentially earning themselves a hefty fine.

Improper euthanasia and disposal are another common problem. Tossing an iguana in the trash, drowning it, or leaving it to die in a cooler doesn’t just violate Florida’s animal cruelty laws, it also spreads disease and creates public health hazards. Here’s what often goes wrong with DIY iguana trapping:

• Illegal re-release into parks, canals, or other public land (strictly prohibited by FWC).
• Cruel or unapproved killing methods such as freezing, bludgeoning, or suffocation.
• Improper carcass disposal in dumpsters or open areas, which spreads bacteria and attracts pests.
• Use of air rifles or slingshots in residential neighborhoods, posing a safety risk.
• Public spectacle traps or social media stunts that exploit wildlife and fuel misinformation.

In 2024 alone, FWC issued multiple citations related to inhumane or unlawful iguana disposal. So if you’re thinking about going full Rambo in your backyard, think again, the law is watching.

Do People Really Eat Iguanas in Florida?

Yep, some Floridians do eat iguanas, and it’s not as rare as you might think. Nicknamed “chicken of the trees,” iguana meat has a long-standing culinary reputation in Central America and the Caribbean. As iguana populations exploded in Florida, the practice followed.

It’s legal to eat them if they’ve been captured and killed legally, and prepared safely. That said, it’s not exactly a backyard BBQ staple. Most iguanas in Florida are wild-caught, and consuming them carries real risks.

These reptiles often carry parasites and bacteria like salmonella, especially when caught in urban areas. Unless you know how to properly clean and cook wild game, and know where that animal’s been, you’re taking a big gamble with your gut.

So, is this something AAAC Wildlife Removal does?

Nope. We don’t catch for consumption. Our role is to remove invasive species safely, not serve them up. While there are niche markets and cultural reasons behind iguana consumption, it’s not part of our protocol, and it shouldn’t be your plan either unless you’re 100% sure of the legal and health implications.

Common Myths About Iguana Removal

When it comes to iguanas in Florida, there’s no shortage of wild stories floating around online. From backyard rumors to viral TikToks, a lot of what people believe about iguana removal is flat-out wrong.

These myths don’t just spread confusion, they can lead to illegal actions or unsafe practices. Let’s clear up a few of the biggest misconceptions:

• “They’re dropped off in the Everglades to live freely.”
  Not true. Releasing captured iguanas into the wild, including protected areas like the Everglades; is strictly prohibited under Florida law.
• “Pest control companies just shoot them on sight.”
  While some hunters use air rifles where permitted, licensed wildlife removal pros like AAAC rely on humane, controlled methods. Shooting is not our standard approach.
• “You can sell them for leather or pet food.”
  Commercial use of iguana meat or skins is heavily restricted, and there’s no legal pet food supply chain built around them. Trying to profit this way is risky and probably illegal.
• “It’s okay to catch one and keep it as a pet.”
  Nope. Captured green iguanas must be euthanized; they cannot be rehomed or kept as pets unless you have a specific license and meet strict FWC guidelines.
• “You can just throw it in the trash after killing it.”
  Big no. Disposal must follow proper biohazard or burial protocols. Dumping it in the trash is not only unhygienic; it could earn you a fine.

These myths create real problems; for people, for ecosystems, and for professionals trying to do things the right way. Let’s stick to facts, not folklore.

Why It Matters What Happens After the Capture?

Catching an iguana is only half the story. What happens after the capture is what determines whether the problem is solved or simply pushed somewhere else.

Florida’s ecosystems are already stressed by invasive species, and improper handling only makes things worse. When iguanas are relocated, dumped, or killed inhumanely, it can lead to real consequences. Native species lose habitat, diseases spread through neighborhoods, and property damage continues unchecked.

Worse, illegal practices open the door to animal cruelty charges and public backlash, especially when it’s caught on camera. This is why professional handling matters. It’s not just about getting rid of the reptile. It’s about protecting local wildlife, following the law, and doing right by the community. The goal isn’t revenge, it’s restoration.

When It Comes to Iguanas, Half Measures Don’t Cut It

Dealing with invasive iguanas in Florida isn’t just about trapping lizards, it’s about doing things legally, ethically, and effectively. While internet myths and backyard antics might grab attention, they rarely solve the real problem. In fact, they often make it worse.

AAAC Wildlife Removal stands apart by handling every step, from inspection to humane disposal, with professionalism and care. We don’t cut corners, and we don’t take chances. If you want a long-term solution that protects your property and Florida’s fragile environment, we’re the team to call.

Call AAAC Wildlife Removal for Safe, Legal Iguana Removal in Florida

If you’ve spotted iguanas sunbathing on your roof, tunneling through your yard, or leaving droppings by the pool, don’t wait for the problem to spiral. AAAC Wildlife Removal offers humane, expert iguana control across Florida, backed by full compliance with FWC guidelines and local laws.

Our team handles everything: inspections, trapping, legal disposal, and prevention strategies to stop the next wave of invaders. We’re fast, friendly, and ready to help you take back your space, the right way. Call us today or request your inspection online, and let’s kick those green invaders out for good.