Tri-State Reptile Laws

The following are a list of laws, rules, and prohibitions concerning the live animals in the states of  Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. This list is derived directly from the governing bodies of the states, but is not officially sanctioned by TN, GA, or AL. If in doubt please contact the wildlife resources department of your state.

Tennessee Wildlife Resources
POB 40747 
Nashville, TN 37204
Phone: 615.781.6580
www.state.tn.us/twra
Georgia Wildlife Resources
2070 US Hwy 278 SE 
Social Circle, GA 30279
Phone: 770.918.6401
www.gadnr.org
Alabama Wildlife Resources
64 N Union St 
Montgomery, AL 36130
Phone: 334.242.3467
www.outdooralabama.com

Section I Snakes

A. No snake native to TN may be held in captivity in TN without a class II permit from the State.

B. No non-venomous snake native to GA may be held in captivity in GA without a permit from the State.

C. No snake native to AL, that is considered endangered, may be held in captivity in AL.

Section II Crocodilians

A. No species of alligator or crocodile may be sold, housed, or transported in Tennessee without a class I permit from the state.

        1. Caimans and gavials are legal in the state.

B. No species of alligator, crocodile, caiman, or gavial may be held in captivity in the state of Georgia without a permit.

C. Alligators are considered a game species in Alabama and may be held only on licensed alligator farms.

        1. Any species of crocodile not prohibited by federal law may be housed in the state of Alabama.  

Section III Turtles and Tortoises

A. Federal law prohibits the selling or keeping of turtles and tortoises under 4 inches.

B. No turtle or tortoise may be sold or housed in the state of Tennessee.

C. Non-native turtles and tortoises over 4 inches are legal in Georgia.

D. Non-endangered turtles and tortoises over 4 inches are legal in Alabama.

Section IV Venomous

A. No venomous snake may be sold, housed, or transported in the state of Tennessee without a class I permit and proper anti-venom on hand.

        1. Venomous lizards are allowed under TN law.

B.  No non-native venomous snake may be housed in the state of Georgia without a permit.

        1. Any venomous snake native to the state is legal to sell and keep without any permits.

         2. No venomous lizard may be housed in GA without a permit.

C. No non-native venomous snake may be housed in the state of Alabama without a permit.

        1. Any venomous snake native to the state is legal to sell and keep without any permits.

        2. No venomous lizard may be housed in AL without a permit.

D. Tennessee, Georgia, nor Alabama currently regulate the trade or housing of highly venomous scorpions and spiders..

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