An FWC officer smiles as he surveys the scene after the killing of 34 pythons and a pregnant pet boa by FWC officers (Photo by Chris Coffee, who has granted permission for this photo to be published and disseminated)

In 2021, Florida changed their ownership laws but promised that pet owners were able to keep their animals for the lifetime of the animals. Breeders stopped breeding and started moving animals out of fear of repercussions. Animals that were legally owned under a "Conditional Species Permit" were now considered illegal, however according to FWC, they were grandfathered in for the rest of their lives and could live out their lives in their current homes.

"I want to make sure the public's aware that if you currently own one of these reptiles, you're allowed to keep it until it's death. So no one is telling you you have to get rid of your pet or euthanize it and no one from the state is going to take it from you." Rodney Barreto , Chairman - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - Public commission meeting February 25, 2021 

"Their pets are their pets and they are going to continue to be their pets and we made sure that it was very clear." - Mike Sole, Former Vice Chairman - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Public commission meeting February 25, 2021