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 during the spring and summer months to raise their young. In Florida, bat exclusion is prohibited from April 15 to August 15, as young bats are flightless and cannot survive removal. During cooler months, some bats may migrate or reduce activity.
They typically enter structures through very small gaps, as narrow as ½ inch, and can roost in tight, dark spaces in large numbers.
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.
