As with most any other species of animal, there are different "breeds" of tilapia. I use T.Hornorum males, and T. Mossambica females for the breeder colonies. The resulting hybrids are amazing!
These "breeds" are considered a "non-native species" by the Florida Dept of Agriculture and therefore restricted. (See "legal Issues" for more details). If you are in Florida you need a certification from the dep't of agriculture in order to have them in your possesion.
However, It is not difficult to obtain. Their biggest concern is containment of the fish. They do not want it to get loose and end up in the State's rivers and lakes. They must inspect your facility and issue you a certificate before you put any fish in it, and you have to have a desire to go into the aquaculture business. Just having them as a pets wll not do. You can go to www.floridaaquaculture.com for info or better yet, call Mrs. Portia Sapp at 863-297-3985.
In other states, it is your responsibility to check your local requirements, if any, and comply with them. You can look in the "legal issues" page for information I have been able to gather for other states.
This is "Tilapia World", Orlando's newest attraction. (only kidding, folks. No tours unless you are passing by to pick up your purchase).
These are the 500 gallon pools, the big 5000 gallon tank and the 400 gallon "catch of the day" tank are on the other side of the storage sheds. Check out the tomato plants on the left, the fruit bearing banana in the center, and the papaya right in front of it. What you don't see are the red onions, the pineapple, the chilli peppers, the red and green bell peppers, the thyme, parsley, greek oregano, sugar cane, and cilantro plants. Outside I have Mandarin oranges, Valencia oranges, grapefruit, Japanese plum, cassava (yuca), and blackberry plants.