Florida proposes stricter rules for sloth care after deaths at Sloth World while some advocates seek import ban
ORLANDO, Fla. —
Florida officials are proposing new regulations to improve the care and oversight of sloths in captivity after the deaths of dozens of sloths at the proposed Sloth World attraction in Orlando.
During an online hearing Wednesday, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission outlined plans to revise the state’s captive wildlife regulations.
“June 13, 2026, FWC revised the blanket import permit to exclude sloths. As a result, anyone importing sloths into Florida must obtain a one-time import permit prior to importation,” an FWC representative said.
Under the proposed changes, applicants for sloth permits would need to demonstrate practical experience in caring for the animals. This includes completing 1,000 hours of hands-on experience in areas such as feeding, handling and daily care, or 500 hours combined with passing a written exam.
The new rules would also require facilities housing sloths to undergo inspection and approval by FWC personnel before permits are issued. This measure aims to ensure that sloths have appropriate living conditions upon arrival.
“I am happy to see that you guys are taking some pretty substantial things to help out to make sure these animals are taken care of,” one participant said during the public comment portion of the meeting.
Businesses keeping sloths would need to employ experienced caretakers with state-approved qualifications. Permit applications would also need to include detailed information, such as the location and size of the property, an inventory of the wildlife, and the species and number of animals.
The proposed rules would raise the minimum age for permit applicants from 16 to 18 and require facilities to have a written disaster and critical-incident plan. This plan must outline temporary housing, capture and transportation equipment, and emergency supplies in case of an emergency.
Despite these measures, some animal advocates are pushing for a complete ban on sloth imports into Florida.
“Florida cannot control how sloths are captured, housed, fed or transported,” one advocate said during the meeting. “This would prohibit most of the issues presented during Sloth World.”