There is no statewide, permanent “bounty” on iguanas in Florida like a posted reward per animal for any member of the public, but there are a few ways people can legally be paid in connection with iguana removal.

Quick Scoop

  • Florida treats green iguanas as an invasive, problem species and encourages removal, especially in South Florida.
  • Homeowners are allowed (and encouraged) to humanely kill iguanas on their own property and on certain public lands, but that on its own is not a formal bounty program.
  • As of 2025–2026, Florida’s wildlife agency has:
    • Temporary “cold-stunned iguana” collection windows where the public can drop off live iguanas at designated offices (mainly for humane euthanasia or transfer).
* Rule changes that let permitted commercial entities pay people who collect live wild iguanas and transfer them for out‑of‑state sale, which can feel “bounty‑like” but is actually a regulated commercial pipeline.

So: you can sometimes get paid for catching iguanas (usually via permitted businesses), but there is not a universal, open cash bounty where the state pays everyone a fixed amount per iguana.

What Florida Actually Allows

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) classifies green iguanas as a prohibited invasive species due to damage to infrastructure, landscaping, and native ecosystems.

Key points:

  • Iguanas can be humanely killed year‑round on private property with the owner’s permission and on certain designated public lands in South Florida.
  • During rare cold snaps, FWC has issued short executive orders (for example, Executive Order 26‑03 in early 2026) that:
    • Allow people to collect cold‑stunned iguanas without a permit.
    • Let them transport those iguanas to specific FWC drop‑off sites, where they are then euthanized or given to permitted dealers.

Those orders expand who can legally catch and transport live iguanas for a day or two, but they do not guarantee payment to every participant.

Where Money Comes In

FWC has created a framework where commercial operators and permitted entities can pay for wild‑caught iguanas under permits, not a simple public bounty.

  • A 2025 rule change on Green Iguana Collection and Sales allows:
    • Authorized permit holders to buy live wild‑caught green iguanas from people or entities that collect them.
    • No set bag limit on how many can be collected and transferred under the program.
  • The idea is to “activate more Floridians” to collect iguanas, sending them into a regulated market (for example, out‑of‑state sale as pets or other uses) instead of just euthanizing all of them.

In practice, this means:

  • Some trappers, nuisance‑wildlife companies, or individuals partnered with permit holders do get paid per iguana or per job.
  • Payment is usually arranged privately (e.g., by the permittee or a removal business), not as a posted state bounty with a fixed public rate.

“Bounty” vs Reality (Forum / Trending Angle)

Online discussions and local news often describe this as “Florida pays you for iguanas” or “bounty hunts,” especially when:

  • Local governments or agencies fund targeted contracts to reduce iguana numbers in specific areas.
  • Viral stories show people filling coolers or pillowcases with iguanas during cold snaps and bringing them to drop‑off sites.

But when you look at the fine print:

  • The state mainly offers permission and logistical support (collection windows, legal pathways, and permits).
  • Actual money typically flows through:
    • Wildlife control companies hired by cities, HOAs, or private owners.
    • Permit holders allowed to buy and resell iguanas.

So it’s more accurate to say:

Florida strongly encourages iguana removal, and there are paid opportunities through permits and contracts, but there is no standing, simple “bring a lizard, get a check” public bounty.

If You’re Thinking of Doing This

If someone wanted to explore this in real life, the usual safe/legal steps would be:

  1. Check FWC rules first
    • Confirm what’s currently allowed in your county, especially regarding transporting live iguanas and what methods of killing are considered humane.
  1. Connect with professionals or permit holders
    • Look for licensed nuisance‑wildlife removal operators or entities advertising legal iguana collection; those are the ones most likely to pay per iguana or per job.
  1. Prioritize humane, safe methods
    • FWC emphasizes humane euthanasia and discourages unsafe tactics (like random shooting in neighborhoods), both for legal and safety reasons.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.