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• Jan 1, 2008 10:12 pm US/Eastern
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  Florida To Snake Owners: Microchip Your Python

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Florida To Snake Owners: Microchip Your Python

Owners Must Register, Cage, and Chip Their Pets

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CBS) ― A new Florida law may require exotic pet owners to register their cold-blooded pets with the state. January 1 brought new rules for owning some reptiles in Florida.

Anyone seeking to own a python, green anaconda or Nile monitor lizard is now required to get a permit and microchip, reported CBS station WFOR-TV in Miami.

In addition, owners used to allowing their exotic reptiles to have the run of the house are learning their free-range days are over. The reptiles must now be caged. Owners have to answer questions about basic reptile care and have a "bite response plan." There's also an annual $100 fee.

A permit is also required for red-eared slider turtles. It's illegal to allow the turtles to reproduce, and all eggs must be destroyed.

(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)