Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Animal Industry are issuing a Certificate of Animal Movement to Mr. and Mrs. Claus of the North Pole. This certificate will allow their reindeer – Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph – to enter and exit all homes, domiciles, encampments, and premises in the Sunshine State between the hours of 8:00 PM on December 24 and 7:00 AM on December 25, through or over any U.S. border port.
“It is a top priority of my department to make sure Santa and his reindeer are able to spread holiday cheer and bring presents to the children of Florida, who have been nice all year,” said Commissioner Nikki Fried. “That’s why, as Florida’s regulator for the entry of many different animals, we’ve not only issued Santa’s necessary Certificate of Animal Movement but we’re also waiving all of his fees again this holiday season. On behalf of our entire department, we wish Santa and his reindeer good luck and smooth travels on their busiest night of the year!”
Mr. Claus and the reindeer will fly across Florida skies pulling a wooden sleigh with jingling bells attached, filled with brightly wrapped gifts. Port personnel will clean and disinfect the underside of the sleigh at the time of entry and conduct a short visual inspection of the reindeer. Additionally, Mr. Claus will have his gloves and boots disinfected and will thoroughly wash his hands. These measures are intended to prevent the entry of any livestock diseases the team may encounter during deliveries to farms around the world prior to entering Florida.
On top of the normal disease testing requirements, the magical, flying reindeer have undergone additional tests to confirm that they can safely handle significant changes in altitude and temperature on their journey and are fit for rooftop landings. State Veterinarian, Dr. Michael Short, verified the reindeer have received their necessary and routine vaccinations to protect against diseases they could encounter on their trip around the world.
FDACS’ Division of Animal Industry regulates the entry of many livestock and poultry breeds and most exotic species into Florida and into shows and exhibitions in the state. Learn more about the Division’s work here.
