On October 1, 2023, the Authorization of Restrictions Concerning Dogs law went into effect in Florida. This law overturns breed bans by local governments in Florida, including a 1989 Miami-Dade County ordinance that allows the county to euthanize pit bulls based on their breed. While the state law invalidates the county ban, residential communities are still allowed to ban specific dog breeds.
Beyond state laws, localities also have laws and regulations pertaining to pets. Here’s a sampling of local pet laws in Florida.
Jacksonville Pet Laws
Jacksonville residents must get annual rabies vaccinations for their dogs, cats and ferrets. They must also license all cats and dogs over four months of age each year.
Pet owners shouldn’t have more than four cats and/or dogs over the age of four months.
Dog owners must keep their pets on a leash when in public. The leash shouldn’t exceed eight feet at its maximum extension.
Only licensed, vaccinated pets are accepted in pet-friendly shelters in Duval County during major storms.
Miami Pet Laws
Miami-Dade County requires owners of dogs more than four months of age to license their pets. Dogs must wear their tags at all times. The county also offers tags for cats, though they’re not required.
Barking dogs and noisy birds may be considered a nuisance, which can result in a $100 fine. Homeowners with tenants who have nuisance pets may be responsible for their tenants’ animals and have to pay fines.
You shouldn’t tether a dog outdoors unless they are in your “visual range.” You also should make sure the tether won’t injure, strangle or entangle the dog and the pooch isn’t left out during extreme weather. The dog should also have access to water, shelter and dry ground. If your pet is on a pulley, running line or trolley system, it should be at least 15 feet in length and less than seven feet above the ground.
Orlando Pet Laws
Orange County residents with a dog, cat or ferret that are four months or older should vaccinate their pets.
Orlando has 10 dog parks, including Barber Park Dog Park, Dr. Phillips Dog Park, Independence Dog Park and Yucatan Dog Park. These areas are a chance for your pooch to run and enjoy other dogs’ company, but you must also follow the rules.
Rules include dogs must come when called by owners, aggressive dogs aren’t allowed, owners must have a leash at all times and owners should leash dogs when entering and exiting the park.
Tampa Pet Laws
Dog owners must vaccinate dogs, cats and ferrets against rabies if the pet is four months or older. Residents can vaccinate their pet annually or every three years depending on the vaccine. Those who don’t vaccinate their pets pay fines of at least $100 and up to $500 for multiple violations.
Hillsborough County residents shouldn’t allow pets to run freely when they are off-property. Owners should keep pets on a leash no longer than six feet and under control by their owner. At-large animals may lead to a fine of at least $100 and up to $500 for multiple violations.
Dog parents should not leave tethered dogs unattended outside. The dog owner should remain outside with any tethered dog, keep it within sight and the tether should safely restrain the dog and be connected to a buckle-type nylon or leather collar or body harness. Those who violate this bylaw may face fines of at least $370 and up to $1,000 for multiple violations.
Hillsborough residents should also prevent their dogs from biting or attacking a person or pet unprovoked. People cited for a vicious animal or aggressive dog may face fines of at least $450.
