The law in Alabama
You may keep one box turtle and common native turtles taken for personal use, but protected species such as map turtles, alligator snapping turtles, gopher tortoises and diamondback terrapins need a state permit. Selling any live turtle requires a Turtle Dealer permit. Never release a pet turtle, which is illegal for any captive-bred or out-of-state reptile.
Selling. Anyone who sells, trades, imports or exports live turtles or eggs must hold a Turtle Dealer permit, and breeders need a Turtle Farmer permit. Turtles taken from the wild may not be sold. Box turtles may not be sold or traded without a permit. Non-native turtle species may not be bred in the state.
Keeping. No more than one box turtle may be possessed. Diamondback terrapins, gopher tortoises, Alabama red-bellied turtles, all map turtles, flattened musk, razor-backed musk and alligator snapping turtles may not be taken, possessed or sold without a permit from the Commissioner. Other turtles are not restricted by state rule.
Wild turtles. Up to two legal turtles per day may be taken for personal use by hand, dip net or hook and line from public or private waters. Protected species listed in rule 220-2-.92 may not be captured. Commercial collection from the wild is prohibited.
Release. Rule 220-2-.26(4) makes it unlawful to release any reptile that did not originate in Alabama, or any captive bred or raised reptile, unless it was held under a state permit.
Who to ask. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division. Federal law bars the sale of any turtle under 4 inches as a pet everywhere; see the 4-inch rule.
Sources: Outdoor Alabama: 220-2-.92 Nongame Species Regulation (reptiles) (Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.92); Alabama Administrative Code 220-2-.142 Turtle Dealer/Farmer Regulation (Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.142); Alabama Administrative Code 220-2-.26 Restrictions on Possession, Sale, Importation and/or Release of Certain Animals (Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.26(4)). Last checked November 5, 2026. Our confidence in this summary: high. This is a plain-English reading, not legal advice; the agency has the final word.
Reptile vets
- Whitesburg Animal HospitalHuntsville, Alabama
Full service hospital with an exotic pet care service and exotic animal veterinarians on staff. Call ahead to check that an exotics vet is available. 256-882-0950.
Rescues and adoption
No rescue listed in Alabama yet. National groups on the rescues page take surrenders from any state.
Breeders and stores
No breeder or store listed in Alabama yet.
Sellers that ship here
- LLLReptile and SupplyOceanside, California
Reptile retailer with eight stores in California, Arizona and Nevada, including Oceanside, Escondido, Menifee, San Diego, Chandler, Glendale, Henderson and Las Vegas, that stocks tortoises and turtles along with other reptiles and supplies. Also sells and ships animals online. Ships: ships nationally; store pickup available. 760-439-8496.
- My Turtle StorePort Richey, Florida
Online seller of aquatic turtles, tortoises, food and supplies that says it has operated for over 40 years and changed ownership in late 2024. Live animals ship by air only within the contiguous United States and are held when forecast lows are below 38 F. No statement about the FDA 4-inch rule or animal sizes was found on the pages read. Ships: contiguous US only. 656-777-1509.
- Snakes at SunsetMiami, Florida
Online seller of captive-bred reptiles with a Miami address that lists turtles such as pink-bellied side-necks and Fly River turtles plus a tortoise category. Ships FedEx Priority Overnight to all states except Alaska, Hawaii and the District of Columbia, and its turtle page cites the federal rule against selling turtles under 4 inches, with 4 inch juveniles offered. Ships: all states except AK, HI and DC.
- XYZ ReptilesPalmetto Bay, Florida
Breeder and online retailer of captive-bred reptiles with turtle and tortoise categories, shipping overnight on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with a live arrival guarantee. Does not ship to Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico, and its turtle page states that turtles and tortoises under 4 inches are offered for educational, scientific or export purposes only, not as pets. Ships: all states except AK and HI. 305-305-5998.
- New England Reptile DistributorsPlaistow, New Hampshire
Reptile breeder and shop known as NERD, with a facility in Plaistow that offers tours and sells pythons, boas, lizards and other animals in person and online with priority shipping. Its terms state that turtles and tortoises are sold for scientific or educational purposes only. Ships: ships nationally; pickup in Plaistow. 603-382-2772.
- Jungle Bob's Reptile WorldSelden, New York
Long Island reptile store open daily that sells tortoises, turtles, lizards, snakes, amphibians, feeders and supplies, with in-store pickup, local delivery and nationwide shipping of supplies. Ships: local pickup; ships supplies nationwide. 631-737-6474.
- Redfoot RanchAlice, Texas
Home-based breeder of red-footed and other tortoises and turtles, formerly in Wimauma, Florida and now in Alice, Texas, selling hatchlings and other sizes by mail order. Ships throughout the continental United States and to Alaska, with pickup possible near Corpus Christi, and its terms state that tortoises and turtles under 4 inches are offered for scientific or educational purposes only. Ships: continental US and AK. 727-421-5542.
- ReptmartOnline
Online seller of captive-bred reptiles only, with turtle and tortoise categories. Live animals ship FedEx Overnight Monday to Wednesday with a live arrival guarantee, not to Alaska, Hawaii or the District of Columbia, and its terms state that all turtles and tortoises under 4 inches are sold for scientific or educational purposes only. Ships: all states except AK, HI and DC.
- Reptile RaptureMonona, Wisconsin
Reptile store on Monona Drive near Madison open seven days a week, selling reptiles and invertebrates from its own breeding room plus supplies and feeders, with shipping available and a reptile rescue program. The site does not list turtles or tortoises specifically. Ships: ships nationally; pickup in Monona. 608-221-0094.
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