The Great Iguana Fall: What to Do When It Starts “Raining Reptiles” in South Florida

February 4, 2026

If you’ve stepped outside in Miami or Fort Lauderdale over the last few days, you may have noticed some unusual “litter” on the sidewalks. As the historic Arctic blast of 2026 grips the state, South Florida is experiencing the return of a bizarre local phenomenon: falling iguanas. When temperatures drop below 40°F, these cold-blooded invasive lizards enter a state of torpor—a coma-like sleep where their bodies stiffen and they lose their grip on tree branches. While they may look like they’ve met their end, most are simply “stunned” and waiting for the sun.

Rule #1: Don’t Bring Them Inside

It’s a natural instinct to want to help a “frozen” animal, but do not bring an iguana into your home or car to warm it up. * The “Thaw” Factor: Iguanas recover from torpor much faster than you’d think. Bringing one into a 72°F living room is like hitting a fast-forward button; you could suddenly find yourself with a very confused, very aggressive, and very sharp-clawed dinosaur loose in your kitchen.

Health Risk: Wild iguanas carry salmonella on their skin and in their mouths. Keep them away from surfaces where you prepare food.

Because green iguanas are an invasive species that damage Florida’s infrastructure and ecosystem, the state’s approach is different than it would be for a native bird or squirrel.

Option A: The Hands-Off Approach

If the iguana isn’t in your way, the easiest thing to do is leave it alone. Once the sun comes out and temperatures rise back into the 50s and 60s, the lizard will likely “re-animate,” climb back up its tree, and go about its day.

Option B: Humane Removal (The 2026 Emergency Order)

For the recent February 2026 freeze, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued Executive Order 26-03, which temporarily relaxes rules to help manage the population:

Drop-Off Sites: Through Monday, February 2, FWC opened five designated drop-off sites (including Sunrise and Fort Myers) where the public could turn in live, stunned iguanas.
No Permit Needed: During this specific window, you do not need a permit to transport these “Prohibited Species” to an FWC office.
Safe Handling: If you must move them, wear thick gloves and long sleeves. Place the iguana in a breathable cloth bag (like a pillowcase), tie it shut, and place that bag inside a secure, ventilated box labeled “Prohibited Reptile.”