Are Iguanas Legal in the USA? State-by-State 2026
Iguanas are legal pets in most US states. The exceptions are Hawaii (all non-native reptiles banned) and certain localities. Florida has invasive iguana concerns but legal ownership.
Green iguanas (Iguana iguana) are listed under CITES Appendix II. Captive-bred iguanas are legal in most countries with proper documentation, but require CITES paperwork for any international movement. In some southern US states and southern Europe, green iguanas are also considered invasive.
- ⚠️ CITES status: Appendix II
- ⚠️ CITES export/import permits: Required for cross-border movement
- ✅ Spain, Germany, France, UK: Legal with CITES paperwork
- ✅ USA: Legal (native range in south FL — invasive but legal to keep)
- ❌ Australia, New Zealand: Banned
US Rules for Iguanas
USA: Green Iguana Legal Status
✅ Legal in most states. Iguanas are popular pets in the USA with few restrictions at federal level.
- ❌ Hawaii: All non-native reptiles banned including iguanas.
- ⚠️ Florida: Legal to own but illegal to release into the wild (invasive species). Breeding permits may be required.
- ✅ Other states: Legal with no special permits (CITES Appendix II — captive-bred documentation needed for import from abroad).
- Importing from abroad: CITES export permit from origin country + US Fish & Wildlife CITES import declaration.
Official sources
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FAQ
Are iguanas legal in all US states?
No. Hawaii bans all non-native reptiles including iguanas. All other states permit them, though some localities may have additional restrictions.
Are iguanas invasive in Florida?
Yes — green iguanas are established in South Florida and considered an invasive species. However, they are still legal to own as pets in Florida.
Do I need a CITES permit to buy an iguana in the USA?
Captive-bred iguanas can be sold without CITES permits within the US. For import from abroad, a CITES Appendix II export permit from the origin country is required.