Keeping more animals than the county allows or than can be cared for humanely is enforced through Osceola County's animal code and Florida's cruelty statute (FS 828.12). Failing to provide sufficient food, water, exercise or proper shelter is a violation.
Osceola County caps animals at 12 per residence (Sec. 4-41), and its Ch. 4 code, together with FS 828.12 (cruelty to animals) and FS 828.13 (confinement without food, water or exercise), addresses hoarding and neglect. County code requires 'proper shelter for a dog' — a structurally sound, weatherproof structure with three sides, top, bottom and waterproof roof; lean-tos, cardboard boxes, airline carriers, vehicles, and uncovered porches are listed as inadequate. Animal-control officers may investigate and cite civil infractions; egregious neglect can be referred for criminal prosecution under FS Ch. 828. The county maintains an online 'Animal Abuser Link' listing those convicted of animal-abuse offenses.
'Cruel Treatment of Animal' civil citations escalate to $500 with mandatory court appearance; serious cases are prosecuted criminally under FS 828.12, and offenders may be listed on the county Animal Abuser Link.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Osceola County, FL
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Osceola County, FL
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Osceola County, FL
State law protects your right to install Florida-Friendly, native, drought-tolerant landscaping. Neither Osceola County nor an HOA may prohibit it. County la...
Osceola County, FL
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Osceola County, FL
Osceola County follows St. Johns River Water Management District rules: two days a week in daylight-saving time, one day a week in winter, no watering 10 a.m...
Osceola County, FL
Osceola County treats overgrown weeds and grass as a property-maintenance nuisance under Chapter 23. In the West 192 overlay, developed lots must stay at or ...
See how Osceola County's animal hoarding rules stack up against other locations.
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