Dead Animal Removal

The City does not remove dead animals from private property. Property owners are responsible for removing dead animals from private property.  This task requires the homeowner to properly dispose of the dead animal or hire a private wildlife removal service. Several companies in the Fort Myers area, such as Fort Myers Dead Animal Removal (239-317-0540), Animal Rangers (1-800-248-7264), and Wildlife Task Force (855-FL-VENOM), offer professional services that include locating and removing dead animals, thorough cleanup, decontamination, and odor control for both residential and commercial properties.

Differentiation of Public vs. Private Property Dead Animal Management 

Public Property

Responsibility: Dead animals found on public property, such as roads, rights-of-way (ROW), parks, or public land, are typically the responsibility of the city.

Removal Process: Residents report dead animals on public property through a 311 request. The city then arranges for removal and proper disposal.

Four Ways to Submit a 311 Request:

1. Enter your request directly in the Citizen Self-Service 311 portal on the City's website
2. E-mail your city issue or service request to 311@capecoral.gov. Please include the physical address of the problem and a description of your request. A customer service rep will send your concerns to the correct department for follow-up. 
3. Download the Cape Coral 311 app* on your smartphone (see instructions below).
4. Call 311 (with Cape Coral) or 239-574-0425

Legal Restrictions:

It is unlawful for anyone to dispose of a dead animal by dumping it on public roads, rights-of-way, or any location where it may be devoured by other animals. Such actions are considered misdemeanors under Florida law.

Private Property

Responsibility: The property owner is responsible for removing and disposing of dead animals found on private property, including vacant lots.

Required Actions: Owners must arrange for removal themselves, or by hiring a private wildlife or animal removal service. The City does not provide removal services for dead animals on private property. For small animals on private property, homeowners may bag and dispose of the carcass in their regular refuse container, but this is not recommended for larger animals or if sanitation is a concern.

Disposal Requirements: Florida law pursuant to 62-701.520(5)(c), F.A.C. requires that animal carcasses of deceased domestic animals not due to disease on private property be disposed of by disposal at a Class I Landfill, burial (at least two feet underground and above the water table), or burning. Burial or burning must occur on the property where the animal died or at approved facilities such as pet cemeteries.

Penalties: Failure to properly dispose of dead animals on private property can result in fines or misdemeanor charges.

Summary Table

Enforcement: Violations of disposal regulations—such as illegal dumping or failure to remove—can result in citations, fines, or criminal charges.