Boca Raton, Florida, has voted to make feeding iguanas and other nuisance animals a punishable offence. The city council passed a new ordinance by a narrow 3-2 margin, introducing a $100 citation for anyone who feeds iguanas, rats, mice or pigeons in a way likely to draw or sustain large groups of them. Bird feeders and feral cats are excluded from the rule. Here's how the vote played out, and what officials on both sides had to say about it. Supporters argue the rule targets the root of the problem, since steady handouts keep iguana and pigeon populations growing, while opponents question whether a $100 citation can be fairly enforced.
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What the new Boca Raton animal ordinance covers
As reported by CBS 12, the ordinance prohibits feeding iguanas, rats, mice or pigeons in a manner likely to attract or sustain large groups of them. Bird feeders and feral cats are specifically excluded from the rule, meaning the restriction is aimed at feeding behaviour that draws in or keeps nuisance animal populations rather than at feeding wildlife in general. Anyone found in violation of the ordinance faces a $100 citation. The rule now forms part of Boca Raton's municipal code following the council's vote.
Boca Raton council votes 3-2; approves $100 iguana feeding fine
The Boca Raton City Council voted in a 3-2 majority to make feeding iguanas and other nuisance animals a code violation, carrying a penalty of a $100 citation. Mayor Andy Thomson, along with council members Jon Perlman and Stacy Sipple, voted in favour of both the ordinance and the fine. While the Deputy Mayor Michelle Grau and council member Yvette Drucker voted against it. This narrow split reflects genuine disagreement among council members over whether the issue warranted a formal code change at all.
Why two council members opposed the $100 fine
Not every council member supported the measure. Yvette Drucker argued that the ordinance would be difficult to enforce and questioned whether the issue was serious enough to be considered by the council. Deputy Mayor Michelle Grau also questioned its potential enforcement, while separately expressing concerns about unnecessary government regulation. Their objections centred less on the underlying problem of nuisance animal feeding and more on practicality and the appropriate scope of local government intervention, setting up the 3-2 split that ultimately passed the ordinance despite their reservations.
Why the mayor defends the ordinance
In defending the ordinance, Mayor Andy Thomson argued that addressing smaller issues affecting residents is also part of the council's responsibility, dispelling suggestions that the issue was not serious enough to warrant a rule change. His position, together with the votes of council members secured the ordinance's passage over the objections raised. The vote means Boca Raton now formally treats the feeding of iguanas and other nuisance animals as an enforceable code violation.
