​Why We NEVER Ship Dubia Roaches to Florida

Many people are shocked to hear that we don’t ship roaches to Florida. How can we not ship feeder roaches to one of the most popular locations in the reptile trade? Well, there are multiple reasons why we do this and all of them lead back to one simple reason. Dubia roaches are illegal in Florida! That’s right. There is actually a law that bans the selling or receiving of dubia roaches in Florida. But, there's a good reason for this!

Florida’s environment is unlike any other place in the United States. The state harbors the perfect living or breeding conditions for over 500 invasive species! Some of these species include pythons, toads, roaches, plants and even wild hogs. And that is just the tip of the iceberg. Florida's waterways and coasts are loaded with invasive fish and other water dwelling creatures who don’t belong there!

So, big deal, right? There is plenty of room for all kinds of wildlife to live together in Florida, isn’t there? Actually, no! All of Florida’s native habitats are in danger and this is due to the extreme amount of invasive species that are present. Florida’s marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments are all at risk. Invasive species compete with native species for limited resources. Nonnative species can also cause environmental and habitat changes that could be harmful to native species. Many times, invasive species outcompete the native ones and could cause native species to become endangered or even extinct! We, as people, also rely a lot on our country’s natural resources and even those could be devastated by invasive species.

Because of these risks, Florida takes their conservation and preservation efforts very seriously. Florida's Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program aims to reduce the adverse effects of nonnative species through prevention, rapid response and removal of nonnative species. We commend them for their efforts and protection of their native species and we hope that other states follow in their footsteps. Due to the hardiness and nature of dubia roaches, Florida would be the perfect breeding grounds if a group of dubia roaches were to ever be released. We respect Florida’s attentiveness to their native species and habitats and we don’t want any part in introducing more invasive species to Florida.

Taking part in illegal animal trades, including shipping or receiving dubia roaches in Florida is punishable by hefty fines. In 2011, a man was arrested on felony charges after forging a permit and having 500 dubia roaches shipped to him. Although the felony charge was due to the forged permit, he was also charged with introduction of pests affecting plant life. Florida has every reason to take their conservation efforts seriously as they are the state most affected by invasive species!

We cancel multiple orders a week from people who don’t know that dubia roaches are illegal in Florida and we do our best to educate them on alternatives. One of the best alternatives we can suggest are discoid roaches! Discoids have similar nutritional value as dubia roaches but are legal anywhere in the United States. We also recommend using BSFL, superworms, wax worms and hornworms. There are plenty of legal options available to reptile owners living in Florida.

In conclusion, the reason we do not ship dubia roaches to Florida is out of respect for Florida’s laws and their wildlife. We cherish animals of all kinds and recognize the importance of habitat conservation and prevention of invasive species. Our hope is that this article offers some insight and education into the dire situation of Florida's environment. We also hope that you take these matters as seriously as we do! You can help by educating people around you about the dangers of nonnative species, not only in Florida, but everywhere!