The law in South Carolina
Since October 2020 you may keep only a small number of native turtles, up to 10 in total with per-species caps, and you may not sell, trade or ship native turtles. Gopher tortoise, bog turtle and spotted turtle need a permit. Releasing non-native animals such as pet sliders is a crime.
Selling. Selling, buying, trading, bartering, shipping or re-homing any native reptile or amphibian is banned unless a regulation allows it. The only native turtles that may be sold are yellow-bellied sliders and common snapping turtles from certified aquaculture facilities or private ponds. Non-native species are not covered by the state ban.
Keeping. No permit for common native turtles, but limits apply: up to 5 each of cooters, chicken turtle, painted turtle, softshells, mud and musk turtles, yellow-bellied slider and snapping turtle, up to 2 each of eastern box turtle and diamondback terrapin, 10 in total. Gopher tortoise, bog turtle and spotted turtle require an SCDNR permit.
Wild turtles. Most native species are protected from wild collection and the sale ban applies to wild-caught animals. Collecting is allowed only within the possession limits above, and spotted turtles may not be collected from the wild at all. Box turtles and spotted turtles held under registration must be shell-notched with a department ID.
Release. It is a misdemeanor to release or allow the escape of any non-native wildlife, with fines up to 2,500 dollars and up to a year in jail. No specific rule found for releasing native turtles; releasing pets is still a bad idea.
Who to ask. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Federal law bars the sale of any turtle under 4 inches as a pet everywhere; see the 4-inch rule.
Sources: SCDNR Act 177 frequently asked questions (S.C. Code Ann. 50-15-70 (as amended by Act 177 of 2020)); SCDNR turtle registration page (S.C. Code Ann. 50-15-70; S.C. Code Regs. 123-151.1 to 123-151.4); SCDNR news release on new reptile and amphibian regulations (S.C. Code Regs. 123-151.3); SCDNR reptile and amphibian laws, regulations and permits (S.C. Code Ann. Title 50, Chapter 15). 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
- Exotic Vet CareMount Pleasant, South Carolina
Practice devoted to exotic pets only. Treats reptiles including turtles and tortoises, lizards and snakes, as well as birds, small mammals, amphibians, backyard poultry and fish. 843-216-8387.
- James Island Veterinary HospitalCharleston, South Carolina
General practice with an exotic pet care service for rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, small rodents, birds and reptiles including lizards, turtles and snakes. 843-795-5295.
- Sunset Animal ClinicWest Columbia, South Carolina
General practice that also offers exotic pet care, including reptiles such as snakes and iguanas, and backyard birds. 803-791-5575.
Rescues and adoption
No rescue listed in South Carolina yet. National groups on the rescues page take surrenders from any state.
Breeders and stores
No breeder or store listed in South Carolina 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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