Most Tilapia are illegal in Florida, probably because they have the potential to take over habitats from native fish: they are aggressive and breed like mad. I saw a film of a S. Florida canal and it was literally choked with the Zebra Tilapia. Here in Central Florida, Blue Tilapia can be found in all the freshwater springs and they get about a foot long or so. They will not take a hook, or so I was told, but they are good eating. I think these are legal in some Florida counties but not in others. They are not predatory like snakeheads.
Just as an aside, those who release exotic species (which is illegal) risk having them banned for all of us. In Florida you can see "wild" pacu, oscars, peacock bass, silver arowana, plecos, red-tailed cats, various other cichlids, etcetera, loose in S. and C. Florida, and when this happens the State begins to mull over banning species. So be wise, if you don't want your fish, (or plant for that matter) find it a home or put it in the freezer, better that then having it banned for responsible owners.
