The law in Nebraska
Nebraska lets you collect and keep small numbers of most native turtles without a permit: up to 10 painted or false map turtles and up to 3 each of ornate box, yellow mud, smooth softshell, spiny softshell and red-eared slider. Blanding's turtles are protected and need a scientific permit. Wild caught turtles may not be sold, and no turtle may be released after being moved more than 100 yards.
Selling. Native turtles taken from the wild may not be sold or offered for sale. Turtles legally bought from outside Nebraska, with a bill of sale as proof, may be sold and kept without regard to limits. Blanding's turtles may not be sold without a scientific collection permit. No state codification of the 4 inch rule found.
Keeping. No permit for the limited take species within their bag and possession limits (10 per species for painted and false map; 3 per species for ornate box, yellow mud, smooth softshell, spiny softshell and red-eared slider). The Captive Wildlife Permit covers only wild birds and mammals, not reptiles. Blanding's turtle may not be possessed without a scientific collection permit.
Wild turtles. Take is limited to 10 painted or false map turtles per species and 3 per species of ornate box, yellow mud, smooth softshell, spiny softshell and red-eared slider. Blanding's turtle is a nongame species in need of conservation with no take. Collecting on Game and Parks land requires a Scientific and Educational Permit.
Release. It is unlawful to release any live reptile into the wild after transporting it more than 100 yards without Commission authorisation (163 NAC Ch. 10, 001.04).
Who to ask. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Federal law bars the sale of any turtle under 4 inches as a pet everywhere; see the 4-inch rule.
Sources: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Chapter 10, Nongame Species in Need of Conservation (effective 06/04/2025), hosted by UNL Herpetology (163 Neb. Admin. Code Ch. 10, 001.02 to 001.04); Nebraska's law, Amphibians and Reptiles of Nebraska (University of Nebraska) (163 Neb. Admin. Code Ch. 10); 163 Neb. Admin. Code Ch. 4, 008 Keeping Wildlife in Captivity (Cornell LII) (163 Neb. Admin. Code Ch. 4, 008). Last checked November 5, 2026. Our confidence in this summary: medium. This is a plain-English reading, not legal advice; the agency has the final word.
Reptile vets
- All Creatures Veterinary ClinicOmaha, Nebraska
Small animal, exotic and avian practice with one veterinarian focused on reptile care and husbandry. Sees non-venomous snakes and other exotic pets alongside dogs and cats. 402-399-8224.
Rescues and adoption
- The Lizard Lighthouse Reptile RescueOmaha, Nebraska
Nonprofit that rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes reptiles across Nebraska through foster homes and an adoption application. The site lists lizards and does not name turtles or tortoises. Ships: adopts within Nebraska.
Breeders and stores
No breeder or store listed in Nebraska 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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