South Florida experiencing historic cold weather here in February 2026. It seems you can’t scroll through your social media account or turn on the television without hearing about “falling iguanas” from trees due to the frigid temperatures. Since these animals are cold blooded, the cold temperatures stuns them and they are unable to move as they lower their heart rate considerably to conserve energy. Although you may see them lying on the ground appearing to be dead, they likely are not. Below, we discuss the various temperature zones and how they impact the iguanas.
The Impact Of Temperatures On Iguanas
The “Sluggish” Zone (< 50°F)
- Effect: At 50°F, iguanas become lethargic and slow moving.
- Outcome: They will stop eating and seek shelter, but this temperature is rarely fatal on its own. They can survive this for days as long as they can bask in the sun to warm up during the day.
The “Stunning” Zone (40°F – 45°F)
- Effect: This is when you see the famous “falling iguanas” phenomenon. Their bodies enter a state of torpor (temporary paralysis) and they lose their grip on tree branches.
- Outcome: They appear dead (stiff and gray), but they are usually still alive. Their heart rate drops to a barely detectable level to preserve energy. If the sun comes out and warms them up, they will likely recover.
The “Kill” Zone (< 40°F)
- Effect: Prolonged exposure to temperatures in the 30s or lower causes their blood to crystallize and organs to fail.
- Duration Required:
- Small/Young Iguanas: Can die after just a few hours in the 30s.
- Large Adults: Have more body mass and retain heat longer. It may take 8+ hours of sustained freezing temperatures (or multiple freezing nights without daytime warming) to kill a large adult.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Guidelines For Removal
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) classifies green iguanas as a “Prohibited” invasive species. This means they are not protected by typical wildlife laws, but they are protected by anti-cruelty laws. For more information from the FWC, click here.
The current guidelines for removal are as follows:
Legal Status & Permission
- Private Property: You do not need a permit to kill iguanas on your own private property. If you are not the owner, you must have the landowner’s specific permission.
- Public Lands: There are roughly 32 specific public lands in South Florida where removal is allowed without a permit. However, you generally cannot kill them in public parks or suburban common areas (like golf courses) without specific authorization, mostly due to firearms and public safety ordinances.
The “Humane” Requirement
This is the most critical rule. While you are allowed to kill them, it must be done humanely.
- Legal Methods: The goal is instant death to prevent suffering. The standard accepted method is a single shot to the brain (using a pellet gun or air rifle) or blunt force trauma that instantly destroys the brain.
- Illegal (Inhumane) Methods: It is illegal to drown, freeze (e.g., putting them in a freezer), or poison iguanas. These actions are considered animal cruelty and can result in criminal charges.
The “No Relocation” Rule
- If you trap an iguana, you cannot release it elsewhere.
- It is illegal to transport an invasive species and release it into the wild. If you catch one, you are legally required to euthanize it or hand it over to a licensed professional who will do so.
Professional Removal
- Because “humane” killing can be difficult for the average person to execute correctly (and legally), the FWC strongly recommends hiring a professional nuisance wildlife trapper. They have the licenses to trap and the tools to euthanize the animals according to state laws.
Summary
If the temperature is simply hovering around 48°F or 49°F for a few days, most iguanas will survive. They need a “hard freeze” (temperatures sustained in the 30s) to significantly reduce the population.
Important Warning: If you see a stiff iguana on the ground, do not assume it is dead. Many people place them in garbage cans or cars only to have the animal “thaw out,” wake up, and become aggressive later.
Are you thinking about buying a home and joining the green iguanas here in South Florida? We can help! Contact Natasha at Live South Florida Realty, Inc. today! Also, be sure to download the free Florida Home Search App for your smartphone or tablet.
