The Stuff That’s Illegal To Bring Into Colorado

Publish Date: August 29, 2023

Last Modified Date: August 30, 2023

Category: Moving Advice, Moving Checklists & Planning

Tags: Tags: alcohol, alcohol transport laws, border, border patrol, cats, colorado, CVI, denver, denver movers, dogs, exotic animals, exotic pets, firearm laws, firearms, firewood, fireworks laws, gun laws, illegal items to bring to colorado, interstate cooperation, marijuana, moving alcohol, moving with exotic pets, moving with pets, plant quarantine, state gun laws

Colorado has seen a tidal wave of growth in the last couple of decades. Since 2000, this Rocky Mountain playground has seen its population balloon by 1.5 million people, with most of them moving to Denver and the surrounding Front Range area. If you’re thinking of joining them, you’re in for a treat.

While the toughest thing to contend with once you get here may be the altitude, your first obstacle could be just over the state line. So you don’t lose any momentum as climb toward your new mile-high home, get the low-down on what the authorities say you can and can’t bring into Colorado.

Animals and Pets

Cats, Dogs, and Rabbits

Colorado is a great place to be if you enjoy taking your dog outdoors with you. Across the state, you’ll find countless parks, trails, and recreational facilities that are totally pooch-friendly. Just make sure you have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection for your pup when you enter the state, along with proof that it is free from rabies and has a current rabies vaccination.

“The State of Colorado goes so far as to discourage transporting untreated firewood from one area to another within the state. They’d certainly frown upon the import of firewood from outside their borders.”

Cats require a CVI as well as rabies vaccinations. Pet rabbits require only a CVI. Take a minute though to check if there are any special requirements for your specific state of origin, for your personal furry friend.

Livestock

Statewide, Colorado has detailed and lengthy regulations regarding the import and ownership of all sorts of animals:

“No person shall possess, sell, propagate, acquire, purchase, broker, transport, trade, barter or attempt to sell, propagate, acquire, purchase, broker, trade or barter live wildlife unless such person first obtains a proper license.”

However, there is a long list of animals that are exempt from license requirements. These include small pet animals like hamsters and gerbils, and the kinds of animals you’d expect to see on a farm — goats, sheep, and pigs to name a few. Less common animals such as water buffalo, ostriches, alpacas, and reindeer are also free from licensing requirements. Because all of these animals are considered widely domesticated, they’re exempt.

Exotic Animals

Animals such as fish, amphibians, and certain birds fall under the “unregulated wildlife” category. And as long as you are not engaging in any sort of commercial activity with your toucan or your snake, you don’t need to go through the licensing process — at least at the time of this writing. The Parks & Wildlife Commission asserts that their efforts to balance public interest in owning exotic animals with the safety and well-being of the state are an ongoing process. Meaning, the rules may change.

If you are bringing an unusual animal into Colorado, you’d do well to check with the Colorado Division of Parks & Wildlife to make sure you’re remaining on the right side of the law.

And by the way, if you decide you don’t want that exotic animal anymore, remember that “it is unlawful to intentionally release any wildlife declared to be unregulated.” Keeping a snapping turtle may be okay, but letting one into the Colorado wild is not.

Plants And Produce

Colorado does not appear to be on par with California or Florida when it comes to restricting the import of fresh produce and house plants. We say this after finding little to no information on specific regulations or restrictions.

However, we do suggest you leave any plants that have come from a “natural environment” behind. In other words, house plants in potting soil, things you’ve grown yourself in a greenhouse, and produce from the supermarket will likely not raise any eyebrows. But trees or flowers you’ve dug up from forests or outside areas aren’t a good idea.

Firewood

The State of Colorado goes so far as to discourage transporting untreated firewood from one area to another within the state. They’d certainly frown upon the import of firewood from outside their borders.

But hey, Colorado already has plenty of trees – and plenty of firewood.

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Plant quarantine

You might be wondering why Colorado (or other states) have certain restrictions on certain types of vegetation and where they come from. It’s often referred to as a “quarantine situation“. Any such circumstances can be found on the USDA quarantine states/areas page, but their main goal is to keep certain pests, fungi, or diseases from spreading.

As an example, there is an ongoing and concerted effort in Colorado to contain and eradicate the Japanese Beetle. This particular page refers to commercial nursery stock, but as private citizens, we are not exempt from doing damage to the environment we are entering. So do your part and take care when transporting your plants and produce into Colorado.

Make sure your plants are healthy and pest-free, and when in doubt, leave them behind. Any questions and concerns can be brought to the State Plant Health Director.

Firearms and Weapons

Colorado seems to be more concerned with the import of firewood than with the possession of firearms.

Colorado’s gun law states that an individual may carry a loaded pistol or revolver in his or her vehicle if “its use is for lawful protection of such person or another’s person or property.” Other weapons, however, can still be in your possession but can’t be loaded.

“It is perfectly legal to bring alcohol into Colorado…[h]owever, having an open alcoholic beverage container is illegal. This pertains not only to the driver but to all passengers in the vehicle…”

Colorado does make the distinction between concealed and open carry, favoring open carry for its gun-toting citizens, stating that “…when you carry the weapon into your home, business, hotel room, etc. it must be in plain view.” There’s also something called “interstate cooperation”. Essentially, Colorado will honor another state’s concealed carry permit, but only if that state also recognizes a concealed carry permit from Colorado.

Perhaps the most intriguing Colorado gun law regards registering your firearm. The gun law says quite plainly that, “the State of Colorado prohibits gun registration.”

Restricted Firearms

Some firearms and accessories are illegal to sell, purchase, and possess in Colorado. These items are termed “dangerous weapons” and include machine guns, sawed-off rifles and shotguns, silencers, and large-capacity ammunition magazines.

Note that local municipalities may impose stricter laws than what the state has outlined. Along the Front Range area (i.e. just east of the Rocky Mountains), and especially in Boulder, you’ll want to check with the local authorities before you start driving around with a loaded pistol. It is also illegal to carry a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.

Other Weapons

This page, along with the links provided at the top, covers just about everything one moving to Colorado might need to know about what weaponry is permissible in the state. Of note: knowingly possessing a dangerous weapon is a felony, and knowingly possessing an illegal weapon is a misdemeanor. Read the statute carefully before you bring something questionable into Colorado.

Further explanations of potentially illegal acts involving firearms as well as weapons like nunchucks, throwing stars, explosive devices, and various types of bows and arrows can be found here.

Fireworks

As of July 2023, all fireworks that explode or leave the ground are banned. State laws do allow for fountains, ground spinners, sparklers, and other smaller fireworks. However, their legal use may also depend on the local municipality. Some cities and counties ban fireworks completely.

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Controlled Substances

Alcohol

It is perfectly legal to bring alcohol into Colorado, as long as it is for personal consumption and falls within set quantity limits. However, having an open alcoholic beverage container is illegal. This pertains not only to the driver but to all passengers in the vehicle (with exceptions for motor homes, limousines, and the like). Note that the term “open container” includes containers that have been opened even if nothing has been consumed or otherwise removed. It likewise includes containers that are closed but have had some of the contents aready removed.

In short, just keep any alcohol you may have in the back of your vehicle, sealed, and out of reach of any passengers.

Marijuana

Interestingly, the same does not apply to marijuana. Colorado is one of several states to have legalized marijuana, and while there are plenty of limits and restrictions in place, having marijuana in your vehicle is only an offense if (a) the container is open or the seal is broken, (b) some portion of the contents have been removed, and (c) there is evidence that marijuana has been consumed within the vehicle — a standard not necessary for an open alcohol container infraction.

“…[A]s long as you are not engaging in any sort of commercial activity with your toucan or your snake, you don’t need to go through the [animal] licensing process — at least at the time of this writing.”

But when you’re physically moving to Colorado from another state, that changes things. Federal law prohibits the transport of marijuana — in any form — across state lines. You’ll have to wait until you’re here, settled, and legal to grow your own for your personal use or to purchase a small amount from a licensed dispensary.

For a rundown on the legal and illegal use, purchase, sale, and possession of marijuana in Colorado check the state’s Cannabis page.

And of course, keep in mind that the laws in your locality may be stricter than what state laws allow.

From the scene in downtown Denver to the heights of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado has a ton of fun to offer. Make sure you’re on the right side of the law when you arrive so you can jump right into it all.

The Stuff That’s Illegal To Bring Into California

Author: Kevin The Mover

Publish Date: November 2, 2022

Last Modified Date: June 5, 2023

Category: Moving Checklists & Planning, Regulations

Tags: Tags: animals, border, border patrol, bugs, ca, california, cat, cats, dog, dogs, eating guide, ferrets, firearms, fruits, guide, guide to moving, gun laws, guns, hireahelper, kevin the mover, laws, liberal, marlowe, movers, moving, ninja, organic, pets, plants, police, professional movers, state laws, state lines, united states, vegetables, weapons, weird laws

From stunning national parks and perfect sandy beaches to those big-screen Hollywood dreams and beyond, it’s no wonder close to 40 million people like to call California home. But The Golden State is also an economic powerhouse, with a GDP larger than all but a handful of the world’s countries, and a fair chunk of that GDP comes from agriculture.

Protecting all the fun and farmland begins right at the California border, with officers at sixteen different checkpoint stations enforcing the rules and prohibitions that keep the Golden State running.

To help you cruise through without incident and get to your new home as smoothly and quickly as possible, we’re laying out all the major rules right here about what you can and can’t bring with you.

Pets, livestock, and other animals

Here’s some good news: bringing common household pets into California is not a problem at all! Cat owners in particular have it easy: the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) doesn’t require any documentation for domestic felines. On the other hand, dogs require proof of rabies vaccination, but nothing else.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) offers an impressive list of animals that can not be imported into the state. Interestingly, there seem to be no restrictions on the American bison.

“One large category of prohibited items might surprise you, and that’s all citrus plants. California is particularly serious about barring all of it, including loose pieces of citrus fruit, from being brought into the state.”

The DFW also offers information on restricted species. If you aren’t sure where your iguana stands, check directly with the authorities in your specific region.

And for all you farmers and ranchers out there, the California Department of Food and Agriculture has information on importing livestock and poultry.

Licensing your dog or cat in California once you’ve moved in is mandated and enforced locally. Check with your city or county for your specific required actions – preferably before you arrive.

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Alcohol, marijuana, and other cannabis products

As long as you are 21 or older you are permitted to bring alcoholic beverages into California provided it is for personal or household use. Transporting alcohol into the state for commercial or business purposes requires a license from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).

Persons 21 and older are also legally permitted to possess and use marijuana within the limits of state and (beware) local laws.

“[The] AG requires that you…do one of three things within sixty days of moving to California: register your firearm, sell it to a licensed dealer, or sell it to the police or sheriff’s department.”

But, there’s a caveat when it comes to transportation of it. Under current federal law, it is illegal to transport marijuana or any cannabis products (like edibles) across state lines. So as you peruse California’s laws regarding using and growing and keeping marijuana in your car, understand that this only applies once you are in-state.

In short, feel free to bring your Budwiser along (and make sure you pack and move it correctly), but leave your bud behind.

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Open Container Laws

Article 2 Section 23223(a) of California’s State Vehicle Code states it is illegal for any person operating a motor vehicle on California’s highways or public roads to have in their possession “any bottle, can, or other receptacle, containing any alcoholic beverage that has been opened, or a seal broken, or the contents of which have been partially removed.” The same goes for any passenger, as stated in 23223(b).

Section 23225 states that the above may not be kept in a vehicle unless it is in the trunk, or out of reach if there is no trunk, or as a last resort inside a locked container.

The same rules apply to cannabis, in a container or otherwise, as stated in Section 23222.

All the detailed (and strangely repetitive) laws can be found right here, starting with the “no drinking or smoking weed by any driver or passenger” law of Section 23220.

Firearms and weapons

Make of it what you will, but California is tougher on huckleberries than they are on handguns. As California’s Attorney General states regarding firearms information for new California residents:

“Any person transporting handguns into California is required under California law to transport those handguns unloaded and in a locked container other than the glove compartment or utility compartment of a vehicle.”

In addition, the AG requires that you, as a gun owner, do one of three things within sixty days of moving to California: register your firearm, sell it to a licensed dealer (or to a third party through a licensed dealer), or sell it to the police or sheriff’s department.

While there is no specific mention of the legality of bringing shotguns or rifles into the state, under the Transporting Firearms in California section, the AG explains that these non-concealable firearms are not required to be transported in a locked container, but must be unloaded while in transit.

And just in case you were wondering, it would be best not to try to bring your assault weapon across the California border – or any border for that matter.

“Licensing your dog or cat in California once you’ve moved in is mandated and enforced locally. Check with your city or county for your specific required actions – preferably before you arrive.”

Unlike firearms (and much more like huckleberries), California “generally prohibits” a wide variety of weapons. California Penal Code 16590 lists nunchucks, cane swords, and lipstick case knives among the wide array of weapons that, if you have them, can land you in hot water. A pity for the aspiring spy, but it’s best to leave all of these behind if you’re moving to California.

Plants and produce

California is right to be protective of its $30 billion agricultural industry. An outbreak of invasive insects and pests could wreak havoc on the economy of the state, and the supply of fruits and vegetables across the country. Therefore, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is not shy about stopping potential disasters at the border.

Houseplants that have not been grown outside are generally allowed, as long as they are potted in commercially sold soil and not dirt from your old backyard. If a plant shows any sign of infestation or disease it will quickly be confiscated. For more detailed guidelines check out these Q&A by the CDFA

One large category of prohibited items might surprise you, and that’s all citrus plants. California is particularly serious about barring all of it, including loose pieces of citrus fruit, from being brought into the state. Many other fruits, as well as a number of nuts and vegetables, are also prohibited. This extensive list by the CDFA lays out all the fun and surprises.

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The process — and sometimes the long wait — at California’s border stations can seem like an unnecessary hassle when you’re sitting there in your loaded-up vehicle. But California alone produces a third of the country’s vegetables and three-quarters of its fruits and nuts. It makes sense for them to be tough.

Doing your part when you make your move to Cali makes their job, and the long lines, a little easier to take.

Illustrations by Marlowe Dobbe

The Stuff That’s Illegal To Bring Into New York

Author: Kevin The Mover

Publish Date: October 29, 2021

Last Modified Date: February 11, 2022

Category: Kids & Pets, Neighborhood Advice

Tags: Tags: animals new york, customs, drugs new york, gun laws, gun laws new york, how to move to new york, illega, illegal new york, moving to new york, new york, new york city, new york customs, nyc, pet shipping, pet shipping new york, pets new york, plant laws, plant laws nyc, plants new york

The Freedom Tower. The Statue of Liberty. The City That Never Sleeps. Such are the images of possibility and promise that New York evokes.

At the same time, the state’s many strict and sometimes convoluted laws can turn your east coast dream into a nightmare in (ahem) a New York minute. To help you move to the Empire State with confidence—and without legal troubles—take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with what you can (and can’t) transport into your new home state.

New York Alcohol Laws

Generally, there are no prohibitions against transporting alcohol into New York state for your personal use. The thing to note here is that open containers are illegal in New York if they are anywhere within reach of the driver’s seat. This includes in the hands (or in the laps, or under the feet) of other passengers.

What counts as an “open container”?

A container does not have to be open to being deemed “an open container”; a bottle that has been opened is an open container, even if the cap has been screwed tightly back on. On top of this, it doesn’t matter if the vehicle is moving or parked—the law applies at all times on all public roads (and parking lots).

Open containers are only legal to have in your vehicle if they are in the trunk or, if there’s no trunk, back behind the seat furthest from the driver. As an extra tip, we’d advise not even having an empty container in your vehicle, as that can be enough for a police officer to start asking questions and possibly perform a full DWI investigation, which is no fun even if you are sober.

New York Animal and Pet Laws

Like most (if not all) states, New York requires a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) for all dogs and cats brought into New York.

According to the state’s website, your pet’s CVI must be issued within 30 days prior to entry into New York. When applicable, your CVI must also include rabies vaccination information. In addition, New York state requires your dog or dogs to be licensed “immediately” with your local municipality.

To get your dog licensed in New York, click here.

Which animals can I bring to New York City?

In addition to dogs and cats, animals that New York City allows to be kept as pets include:

Domesticated rabbits and horses
Gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, other small animals
Parakeets, parrots, pigeons, canaries, hens or female chickens, other small birds
Non-snapping turtles larger than four inches
Certain reptiles
Honey bees

What animals can I not bring to New York City?

The list of animals that cannot be kept as pets in New York City is much longer.

Be aware that laws can differ between New York City and the rest of the state. For an exhaustive list of animals illegal to be kept as pets in New York state, check out this 25-page pdf produced by the New York Department of Agriculture. (More than half the list consists of a massive number of monkeys and snakes.)

Some highlights of animals not allowed in New York include:

Black spider monkey
Tiger
Leopard
Coyote
Giant panda
King cobra
Swamp crocodile

If you have a question about your particular pet, including your pet giant panda, contact the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets here.

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New York Firearm and Gun Laws (and Permits)

While laws can vary to some degree across the state, New York is known for having the strictest gun laws in the U.S.

Moving to New York with a gun can be tricky. If you have a permit to carry in your original state, you’ll have a grace period once arriving in New York state to obtain a New York state permit for your handgun, rifle, or long gun. But if you are moving to New York City, there is no grace period for weapons.

In other words, you cannot legally bring your gun with you when you move to New York City.

New York Gun Permits (two permits are required in New York City)

Handguns and items that fall under the broad definition of “assault weapon” (as defined in the NY SAFE Act) are illegal to carry in New York without a permit. See that link for more details.

Specifically, in New York City, a special city permit is required on top of the state-issued permit to possess ANY kind of firearm. Long guns and rifles fall under a separate category and are, in some parts of the state, less tightly controlled. Unlike with handguns, it is actually legal to open carry a long gun in New York (though you still need a permit).

You’ll have to store it somewhere, surrender it to the authorities in advance of your move, or transfer it to someone who can legally hold onto it while you work through the process of obtaining a license to possess or purchase a handgun.

“…if you are moving to New York City, there is no grace period for weapons. In other words, you cannot legally bring your gun with you when you move to New York City.”

What is important to know if you are moving to New York is that the state does not necessarily recognize permits or licenses issued in other states. In other words, depending on your gun and your situation, New York may not care what sort of legal permission you have from your home state and declare that you are in violation of New York state or City firearms laws.

One exception is if you are legally licensed in your home state and are just passing through New York en route to another state where your firearm is legal and your permit or license valid. Even then your firearm must be unloaded and, separately from your ammunition, locked, and out of reach.

Once again, the above applies to New York state. In New York City, mere possession of a firearm requires a city-issued permit, even if you are just passing through. We suggest taking the long way around. Traffic is terrible anyway.

What’s the penalty for bringing a gun to New York?

In New York, gun-related offenses can rank anywhere from a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1-year imprisonment and up to a $1,000 fine, to a class B felony, punishable by up to 25 years imprisonment.

New York Penal Code Section 265.00 and Section 400.00, along with all articles contained within, cover all you need to know. If you still aren’t completely sure how to navigate this sea of laws and you just have to bring your gun, contact the police or sheriff’s department in your new home county/municipality. If that doesn’t help you sleep better at night, get some quality legal advice. It’s better—and probably cheaper—than facing a weapons charge.

What other weapons are illegal in New York?

Aside from firearms, New York also has laws prohibiting owning other kinds of weapons.

Illegal weapons without a license	Illegal weapons in any circumstance
BB guns	Stun guns	Throwing stars (also known as Chinese stars and shuriken)
Paintball guns	Switchblades	Various kinds of knuckles and clubs
Pellet guns	Nunchucks	Slingshots

However, in 2019, the ban on certain of these, notably stun guns, tasers and nunchucks, was determined by the federal court to be unconstitutional. Yet the ban is, at the moment, still on the books. You may find resources asserting that stun guns, tasers, and nunchucks are legal in New York City, but the issue still seems to be unresolved. We suggest erring on the side of caution.

What about knives?

New York laws concerning knives are as convoluted as those pertaining to guns. State Penal Code Section 265 defines certain knives that are illegal, but in Section 265.01, it is stated that possession of “any dagger, dangerous knife…or undetectable knife with intent to use the same unlawfully against another” constitutes criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. (That’s not a good thing.)

The American Knife and Tool Institute gives a rundown of New York statutes regarding knives with several real scenarios to illustrate how the laws have played out. Of course, this all pertains to people already in New York. For someone like yourself, hauling your stuff into the state in your car or on a rental truck, just having that illegal knife or billy club may be enough to get you into hot water.

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New York Plants and Produce Laws

House plants are generally not a concern when moving to New York, unlike many other states. But there are a whole host of plants that New York regulates, or even outright bans.

So before you put those potted pets on your moving truck, check the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s list of all regulated and prohibited plant species.

Prohibited plants

New York defines “prohibited plants” as:

“Prohibited invasive species cannot be knowingly possessed with the intent to sell, import, purchase, transport or introduce. In addition, no person shall sell, import, purchase, transport, introduce or propagate prohibited invasive species.”

Regulated plants

New York defines “regulated plants” as:

“…species which cannot be knowingly introduced into a free-living state, or introduced by a means that one should have known would lead to such an introduction, although such species shall be legal to possess, sell, buy, propagate and transport.”

TERRESTRIAL PLANTS
PROHIBITED			REGULATED
Amur Cork Tree	Fly Honeysuckle	Mile-a-minute Weed	Black Locust
Amur Honeysuckle	Garden Loosestrife	Morrow’s Honeysuckle	Burning Bush
Autumn Olive	Garlic Mustard	Mugwort	Chinese Silver Grass
Beach Vitex	Giant Hogweed	Multifora Rose	Japanese Virgin’s Bower
Black Swallow-wort	Giant Knotweed	Narrowleaf Bittercress	Norway Maple Acer
Bohemian Knotweed	Golden Bamboo	Oriental Bittersweet	Winter Creeper
Border Privet	Gray Florist’s Willow	Pale Swallow-wort
Broad-leaved Pepper-grass	Japanese Angelica Tree	Porcelain Berry
Canada Thistle	Japanese Barberry	Slender False Brome
Lepidium latifolium	Japanese Chaff Flower	Small Carpetgrass
Chinese Lespedeza	Japanese Honeysuckle	Spotted Knapweed
Chinese Yam	Japanese Hops	Sycamore Maple
Cogon Grass	Japanese Knotweed	Tartarian Honeysuckle
Common Buckthorn	Japanese Stilt Grass	Wavyleaf Basketgrass
Cup-plant	Kudzu	Wild Chervil
Cut-leaf Teasel	Leafy Spurge	Wineberry Rubus
Cypress Spurge	Lesser Celandine	Yellow Groove Bamboo

WETLAND PLANTS		AQUATIC PLANTS
PROHIBITED		PROHIBITED
Common Reed Grass		Brazilian Waterweed
Marsh Dewfower		Broadleaf Water-milfoil Hybrid
Purple Loosestrife		Curly Pondweed
Reed Manna Grass		Eurasian Water-milfoil
Yellow Iris		Fanwort
		Floating Primrose Willow
		Frogbit
		Hydrilla/Water Thyme
		Parrot-feather

Why are some plants illegal in New York?

Grapes are a vital component of New York’s economy, so protecting them is critical. Any part of a grapevine or plant (aside from the fruit itself), if infested, can cause catastrophe to the grape and wine industry.

The same goes for other fruit-bearing plants, which can harbor invasive and/or destructive pests. If you need to bring such plant material into the state, each item must be accompanied by a certificate of inspection from your state of origin verifying that it is all disease and pest-free.

While there may be no legal requirement to have your house plants inspected and certified, it is a great (and shall we add noble) idea to inspect your plants for any signs of pests. And that includes eggs and anything else pests can leave behind. Make sure your plants are sitting in pest- and disease-free soil. (For the same reason, please leave your firewood and scrap lumber behind.)

The USDA regularly updates its list of plant and pest programs. Check for any notices regarding New York or the northeast in general.

Is marijuana legal in New York?

Yes. In March of 2021, New York state passed a law decriminalizing marijuana—but to a degree.

It is now legal in New York to possess up to three ounces of marijuana outside of one’s residence, and up to five pounds of marijuana in one’s home. But it is also, as of this writing, still illegal to sell marijuana.

On top of this, laws detailing the legal limits of owning and growing marijuana plants, as well as selling and distributing marijuana, have not yet been worked out, and will take time to implement once they are.

But all this only matters once you are physically inside New York, because federal law still prohibits carrying marijuana across state lines! Doing so opens you up to the possibility of drug trafficking charges. So unless and until this changes, you’ll want to leave mary jane behind with your friends.

To read more about traveling with weed anywhere in the country, click here.

**“It’s Up To You, New York, New York*”**

When it comes to the laws regarding transporting weapons, animals, and plants, the safest route to take by far is simply not to have no weapons and nothing exotic in your possession when you enter New York.

We hope the above helps shed some light on this murky subject, but please, do not take any chances. Go directly to the New York State or NYC authorities—before you arrive—if you are not entirely certain of the legality of your situation. Get expert advice. Protect yourself.

You’ve got a world of possibility and promise waiting.

*Lyrics made famous by Frank Sinatra, native of New Jersey

Illustrations by Amanda Cotan

The Stuff That’s Illegal To Bring Into Florida

Author: Kevin The Mover

Publish Date: May 14, 2021

Last Modified Date: February 11, 2022

Category: Moving Advice, Neighborhood Advice

Tags: Tags: animal laws florida, animals to bring to florida, cat laws florida, cats, citrus, citrus laws, citrus plants, dog laws florida, dogs, Florida, florida gun laws, florida guns, florida laws, florida man, gun laws, gun permits, gun permits florida, illegal in florida, movers, moving, moving to florida, plant laws, plant laws florida, plants

What visions fill your head when you think of moving to Florida? Endless sunshine and miles of white-sand beaches? The Miami nightlife? The backwoods wildlife?

For all the fun that may be on your mind, do remember that before living the spring break life, new residents may want to know what they’re getting into before moving to Florida. It turns out, Florida’s laws make it a pretty unique place. Here’s a rundown of many of the things Florida doesn’t allow you to bring into it.

Plants and Produce

Here are the main plants you can’t bring into Florida:

Non-native aquatic plants or seeds
Citrus plants
Dogwood plants
Sugarcane
Noxious weeds
Any plant hosting boll weevils
Any plant hosting fruit flies

There are additional pests and types of agriculture to avoid as well, which you can read about on Florida’s Department of Agriculture website.

Why can’t I bring these plants in?

Florida’s citrus fruit industry is massive. 59% of the nation’s grapefruit groves, 70% of the country’s orange groves, and 57% of all citrus-growing acres in the U.S. are right here on the peninsula.

It should be no surprise, then, that the state operates a series of agriculture inspection stations – twenty-three of them, to be exact – where the authorities work 24/7/365 to keep plant pests and diseases from infiltrating and destroying their crops.

These inspection stations are located along the Georgia-Florida border and along highways leading from the panhandle into the peninsula. (There is only one inspection station in the actual panhandle, along I-10 near the Alabama border.) If you are driving a rental truck, you are required by law to stop for inspection. If you are in your own vehicle you are not required to stop.

If you happen to have a tangerine in your vehicle, no problem! Citrus fruits can be transported into Florida (though that would be like bringing a can of Budweiser to Germany). On the other hand, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: “It is unlawful to move into Florida any and all kinds of citrus trees and parts thereof except by a special permit from the Division Director.” In addition, no non-native aquatic plants or seeds may be imported into the state without a permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

While your tangerine gets a free pass, your Ficus tree does not. Household plants coming into Florida must be accompanied by a certificate of inspection. If your home state does not provide such certification, the state says you must be able to furnish the DEP with a Florida address where the plants will be located. This information will enable the department to conduct a follow-up inspection if deemed necessary.” So as long as you give Officer Friendly the information he or she needs, you and your Ficus should be allowed to continue on down the highway together.

To make sure what you are hauling is legal, check this page of the FDACS website. If you can’t get your answers online (or simply don’t have the time and patience to muddle through it all), you can always contact the Division of Plant Industry at 1-800-282-5153 or the Office of Agriculture Law Enforcement at (850) 922-6507. Or just stop and ask at the inspection station if you’re worried about what you’re carrying. It’s well worth the peace of mind.

Can I bring marijuana into Florida?

At the time of this writing, recreational marijuana use is strictly illegal in Florida. Penalties for possession vary, from four-digit fines, to 1-5 years of jail time. Growing marijuana in your home is also illegal in Florida. At present, some Florida lawmakers are pushing for the legalization of recreational marijuana use, though no legislative efforts seem likely before 2022.

Pets and Exotic Animals

You can bring most traditionally domesticated animals into Florida, but they need to be inspected in the first month. Plan to obtain a certificate of veterinary inspection within thirty days of moving your dog, cat or bird into the state.

If you have a cat, you have it easy in Florida—at least by the fact that there are few regulations for owning one. Rather than looking to the state, check with your local municipality for whatever laws pertain to your feline companion.

What are Florida’s dog laws?

Dogs, on the other hand, are kept on a shorter regulatory leash.

Florida state law requires vaccinations for no fewer than nine different diseases. One of them is Leptospirosis, a potentially-fatal disease that usually originates with smaller forms of wildlife or livestock, and is often transmitted via animal urine existing in ponds, puddles or streams. Heartworm disease can also be deadly, but is not on the vaccination list. Heartworms are most often transmitted by mosquitos that in Florida’s warm climate never quite go away. Foxes and coyotes are also known as occasional culprits.

(To that last point, letting your dog run wild in the woods can also lead to direct encounters with any of Florida’s many species of venomous snakes, Black bears usually run from dogs, but that’s not always the end of the story. Alligators simply eat your dog.)

“If you are driving a rental truck, you are required by law to stop for inspection.”

There are local laws for keeping your dog on a leash in public in Florida, to keep you, your dog, and those around you safe. As with other issues, check with your municipal or county authorities. Keeping your pup on a leash is an especially good idea in any city or town in Florida, where there are statewide statutes known as “strict liability” laws that cover dog bites. Even if your dachshund has never so much as nipped at someone, if he or she snaps, the state will hold you the owner responsible for the consequences of your bad dog’s behavior (though there may be mitigating circumstances).

What about other animals?

On the more exotic side, you may find it useful to know you can keep non-venomous, non-threatened snakes, reptiles and amphibians.

Exotic animals like gorillas, snow leopards and Komodo dragons are out of the question (at least without a proper permit, in case you’re inspired by a certain Tiger King). Please don’t take my word for it though, check what the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has to say.

Florida Guns & Weapons Laws

Florida may not have a gun-slinging, wild, wild west reputation, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t trying.

Despite not being an “open-carry” state, carrying a gun into Florida is perfectly legal, even if you don’t have a license. You only can’t have it sitting out in the open within easy reach. (You can, however, have it sitting in your unlocked glove compartment, or in a box with a lid.) Note that there are some restrictions, such as having to be older than 18 years old.

Please note: Other states you drive through have their own laws. Check them before you head for the highway packing heat.

Which weapons can I bring into Florida?

If you own a Florida Concealed Weapons and Firearms License (CWFL), almost anything goes. Some of the more common weapons Florida allows are:

Handguns
Knives
Brass knuckles
Tear gas
Tasers

There are, however, a number of places where carry is still restricted, such as government buildings, schools, and polling places.

No license is required in Florida for:

Pocket knives under four inches
Chemical spray containing less than two ounces of chemicals
Non-lethal stun guns

If you wish to apply for a CWFL, go here.

Please note: Only handguns are covered consistently state-wide. For all other weapons, local statutes may actually differ, so check. Also be aware that there is no open carry in Florida, except in a few limited circumstances. And while it is legal to own and keep a firearm or weapon in your residence, a private property owner (i.e., your landlord) can prohibit weapons on their property if they wish. Knowing violation can get you an armed trespass felony, so again, check what’s legal before finding out the hard way.

Here is a quick run-down of the most pertinent of Florida’s firearm/weapons laws. This resource goes into more detail about carrying with a permit.

Other important Florida laws

What a bummer it would be to cover all your firearms, citrus fruit and exotic animal bases only to be nailed for a silly little moving violation. To this point, here are a few things to keep in mind as you roll down the Floridian pavement.

Seat belts: They are required in the front seat of your vehicle, and are mandatory for everyone under 18 regardless where they are seated.

Florida ID or license: You must get a Florida license within 30 days of becoming a resident. (Also of interest is that beginning in October 2021, you will need REAL ID-compliant identification if you wish to fly domestically.

Boating: In Florida, boating does not require a license, per se. But to operate a vessel with a motor of ten horsepower or more, you must have a boating education ID card (or out-of-state equivalent) which proves you have successfully completed a boater safety course.

Yielding to emergency vehicles: One more item to keep in mind is Florida’s Move Over Law, which “requires motorists to move or yield right-of-way to emergency vehicles”. In 2014, utility and sanitation vehicles were added to the statute, which states that “drivers must move over as soon as it is safe to do so for any authorized law enforcement, emergency or service vehicles displaying any visible signals while stopped on the roadside.”

In case you’re thinking this is a mere publicity campaign, know that in 2020, over 12,000 citations were issued for failure to move over!

Does any of this stuff matter?

Not only does Florida take this stuff seriously, but thanks to Florida’s Public Records Act, any individual can check out almost any public record at any time for any reason. Of particular note is the curious legal access everyone has to almost all court documents and records. This broad policy on making court records public makes it easy for journalists and anyone else to make known to the world all the zany adventures Floridians engage in, leading to the phenomenon known as “Florida Man“.

Let me suggest once again the value in contacting your state and local authorities regarding what is legal and illegal in Florida. We’d hate to see you on the next edition of Florida Man.

Don’t worry too hard, though. You’re not alone in making this move. Florida consistently remains among the top “move-to” states. (Texas and California are, too, if you want to read about their laws.) If you too are heading for the Sunshine State, you are in good company. Just keep in mind the laws of the land.

Welcome to Wild, Wild Florida!

Illustrations by Subin Yang

The Stuff That’s Illegal to Bring Into Texas

Author: Kevin The Mover

Publish Date: August 1, 2017

Last Modified Date: June 5, 2023

Category: Moving Checklists & Planning, Regulations

Tags: Tags: alcohol, alcohol laws, america, cat laws, citrus, courts, crime, dog laws, firearms, firewood, fish, fruits, funny laws, gun, gun laws, legal, lonestar, movers, moving, old laws, permits, pet laws, pets, plants, professional movers, state laws, state lines, subin yang, texas, tigers, usa, vegetables

Regardless of whether you’re moving from out of state to San Antonio, Dallas, or somewhere else in Texas, like relocating anywhere using long distance moving services, you’ll hold the responsibility of needing to know the laws of the land. Every state differs, and some states are stricter than others. But when it comes to what you can and cannot transport across state lines – and what you can or can’t possess once you’re there – we are sure there is no state quite like Texas.

Here are all the things that are illegal to bring into Texas, broken down by type. Welcome to the wild, mild west.

Fruits and Vegetables

While Texas may have a reputation for oil wells and football teams, the state also boasts a humongous $100 billion agriculture industry. It is no surprise then that they have more than a few rules regarding what fruits and vegetables can’t be brought over state lines.

The good news is the Texas Department of Agriculture spells out all the rules right here in this document. The bad news is this document is 21 pages long and uses a lot of big words. If you’re the type to snack on exotic fruit with hard-to-pronounce names, you may want to read carefully over the TDA’s rules. For the rest of us, here are the basics:

Of particular interest is the citrus fruit family. As the Southwest Farm Press states, “With very few exceptions, no citrus plants, or even pieces of citrus plants are allowed into the state from anywhere.” The National Plant Board gets a bit more technical, explaining (on page seven) that, “any living or non-living rootstock, leaf, root, stem, limb, twig, fruit, seed, seedling or other part of any plant in the botanical family Rutaceae, subfamily Aurantioideae.” As citrus is a huge part of the Texas economy, even one bad plant could potentially ruin entire crops.

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In addition to citrus fruits, Texas has plenty of prohibitions in place. If you’re coming from Florida or Puerto Rico, these things are some of the major items prohibited:

Apples
Avocados
Bell peppers
Blackberries

There are more than 50 kinds of fruits, vegetables, berries and spices that Texas prohibits coming from down south, due to Caribbean Fruit Fly infestation.

If you’re coming from anywhere in the US (except California, Arizona and parts of New Mexico), Texas also prohibits:

Hickory trees
Pecan trees
Walnut trees

As well as “…(any) parts thereof, except extracted nut meats”, thanks to the never-popular pecan weevil.

Finally, these vegetable plants are not restricted but heavily regulated coming from anywhere, due to a whole host of diseases and pests:

Tomatoes
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Collards
Peppers
Onions
Eggplants

It’s all right here in this exhaustive “Summary of Plant Protection Regulations“ from the Texas Department of Agriculture. Give it a read if you have the time and the will. Or just play it simple and leave every last lemon, walnut and berry behind.

Pets

We have some good news for all you Texas-bound pet owners. The Lone Star State merely requires that all dogs and cats be certified as rabies-vaccinated.

The bad news is that something as simple (and responsible) as keeping Rover on a legal leash requires a watch, a map, a thermometer, a tape measure and a weather forecast. According to Texas statute “§ 821.077. Unlawful Restraint of Dog” :

(a) An owner may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint that unreasonably limits the dog’s movement:

(1) between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.;

(2) within 500 feet of the premises of a school; or

(3) in the case of extreme weather conditions, including conditions in which:

(A) the actual or effective outdoor temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit;

(B) a heat advisory has been issued by a local or state authority or jurisdiction; or

(C) a hurricane, tropical storm, or tornado warning has been issued for the jurisdiction by the National Weather Service.

(b) In this section, a restraint unreasonably limits a dog’s movement if the restraint:

(1) uses a collar that is pinch-type, prong-type, or choke-type or that is not properly fitted to the dog;

(2) is a length shorter than the greater of:

(A) five times the length of the dog, as measured from the tip of the dog’s nose to the base of the dog’s tail; or

(B) 10 feet;

(3) is in an unsafe condition; or

(4) causes injury to the dog.

Considering all this, it might just be easier to get a tiger.

We’re not kidding. Reading the Texas laws regarding owning exotic animals – including lions, tigers, bears and gorillas (seriously) – it seems only as difficult to register a “dangerous wild animal” as it does a pickup truck.

(While we’re at it, we’ll mention that it is legal in Texas to own flamethrowers, venomous snakes and, for the truly under-stimulated, military-grade tanks.)

But back to the world most of us inhabit. If you are relocating to Texas, you should know that certain species of fish and other aquatic life are prohibited. Despite their lengthy explanation on the environmental and economical destruction wreaked by the lionfish, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department doesn’t list this non-native critter among their outlawed types of marine life. Here are just a few of the fish that are prohibited:

Tilapia
Piranhas
Freshwater Stingrays
Freshwater Eels
Temperate Basses
Oysters

All resources and information considered, it seems reasonable to believe you’re okay bringing your parakeet with you to your new home in Texas. But we strongly recommend checking with your local authorities as to what laws apply to your pets. As an example, in Waco, all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies; all pets must be spayed/neutered and microchipped; dog houses must have at least three walls in addition to a roof and a floor that is not the ground; and no, you cannot give your pet its rabies shot yourself.

Alcohol

The good news here is that Texas puts no limits or taxes on any alcoholic beverages you are transporting into the state, as long as you are in the process of relocating to Texas and the alcohol in your possession is intended for personal consumption only.

The bad news is that the Texas heat will skunk your swill faster than you can say “Lone Star Lager”. So you better hope that your’s isn’t a long distance move in the heat.

Keep in mind, however, that once you are actually settled in the Lone Star State, you’ll be subjected to fines and/or jail time if you fail to declare that case of tequila on your way home from Mexico, or any other alcohol you bought out of state and are transporting back into Texas.

As for figuring out the laws in your particular municipality for purchasing beer, wine or liquor, good luck.

Plants

Texas has no apparent problems with houseplants that are grown indoors in a commercially-prepared potting mix (rather than in soil) and are free of pests and diseases. These may enter Texas without certification.

However, according to the same “Texas Dept. of Agriculture Summary of Plant Protection Regulations” we saw earlier, “houseplants grown or kept outdoors require a phytosanitary certificate from the department of agriculture of the origin state indicating freedom from pests and diseases.”

We’ll be blatantly honest here. There seems no guarantee that your word will be good enough if someone wearing a TDA uniform asks if you’ve ever put your rubber tree plant out on the patio or the front porch, and you say no.

And just in case you were wondering, you can’t bring all that firewood for your backyard chiminea. Texas doesn’t even like Texans moving firewood from one part of the state to another, for fear of spreading potential or active infestations. Check out the Texas info on DontMoveFirewood.org – and consider giving that chiminea a good washing too before trying to carry that across the border into Texas.

Firearms

And what would Texas be without guns? In keeping with their wild, wild west reputation, the state makes it easy for lawful firearms carriers from other states to legally carry in Texas, either through reciprocal or unilateral agreements with those other states. In other words, just like having a driver’s license from another state allows you to legally drive in Texas, having a permit to carry a firearm in another state allows you to legally carry your firearm in Texas.

The analogy is not perfect, of course. Texas has no firearm-carry agreements with Oregon, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Maine, Vermont or New Hampshire. And while you have 90 days upon relocating to Texas to switch your driver’s license over, there is no requirement whatsoever to register your firearm in the State of Texas.

None.

How’s that for wild?

It’s not complete anarchy, of course. “Texas requires any individual in possession of a handgun to inform a law enforcement officer of their permit or license to carry if an officer asks them for identification.” Texas also spells out restrictions and requirements regarding carrying in vehicles, open carry and places where carrying is illegal.

As far as transporting your firearm from your old state to your new home in Texas, your most pressing concern might be following the laws of the various states you may be passing through along your way.

In some ways, Texas seems like an almost lawless land. In others, the laws can seem unduly convoluted. You can have a gun. You can get a tiger. Just be sure to leave the tangerines behind!