I've been speaking to the Professor of Entomology at the University of Florida, and apparently I don't need a permit to have insects here unless they are agricultural or human pests. And most of the pest species I've captured were caught IN Florida, such as the skunk roaches, Australian, American, etc! I need to make absolutely sure, but I don't think I own a single invertebrate that is actually an invasive species, meaning I won't have to give away any pets when I move to Florida this April. At least it's almost 90% sure I will be!

I also inquired about the University and he said this: "The University of Florida is a highly competitive university. Typically, we get 25-30K applicants for fall admission and accept about 6,600 of them. Your ability to be admitted would depend upon your high school grade performance and your SAT score. We do have an extensive number of Florida community colleges where students attend two years, obtain the AA degree and then apply to transfer to the University of Florida. It is at that time you would declare entomology as your major."

My SAT scores were relatively high, from what I remember... oddly, my math skills were higher than anything else; higher than 90-some percent of the country. But I still need to get a hold of them and make sure. To be some form of a scientist is my dream and always has been... I'm nearly 26 years old... it's now or never. I can't keep being so terrified of failure. I may waste years in college only to fail, but at least I would know that I tried... and as an entomologist, I'd be able not only to teach people about insects, but I would also be able to keep any insects I wanted and could educate people using them.

Would anyone happen to have more specific information regarding pet invert restrictions in Florida? I do own some pest species, but they were caught -IN- Florida from the last time I lived there, sooo... :P

Tags: Florida Entomology School College Permits

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