Bats are a critical part of Florida’s ecosystem, helping control mosquito and insect populations. However, when they roost inside attics, vents, or other structures, they can become a serious nuisance — and a regulated one. In Florida, all bat species are protected by law, and their removal must follow strict seasonal and humane guidelines.
Florida is home to several species of bats, with the most commonly encountered in buildings being:
Bats are nocturnal and often seen at dusk, flying erratically as they feed on insects. Their presence in a structure is usually identified by sound (scratching or chirping), guano buildup, or the smell of ammonia.
Bats form maternity colonies in spring and early summer. From April 15 to August 15, bat exclusion is prohibited in Florida to protect flightless young. Outside this window, bats can be safely and legally excluded using one-way exit devices.
They enter through gaps as small as 3/8 inch and prefer tight, dark spaces for roosting. Bats do not chew or dig but return to the same sites year after year if not properly excluded.
All bats in Florida are protected by state law, and killing or excluding them during protected seasons is illegal. Exclusion must be done outside the maternity season and follow specific guidelines using one-way devices that allow bats to leave but not re-enter.
