Tampa, FL Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)

' Subsection (b) then makes it 'unlawful for any person to hunt, kill, maim or trap or in any manner attempt to kill, maim or trap or otherwise molest any domestic bird, song bird, migratory bird, wildfowl or waterfowl,' and separately bars anyone from disturbing, to 'rob or otherwise molest', the nests of birds nesting anywhere within city limits. The only written carve-out is for 'birds or fowl raised in captivity for human consumption,' meaning backyard chickens or ducks kept for eggs or meat aren't protected, but wild songbirds, migratory species, and waterfowl anywhere in Tampa, parks, yards, waterfront, or commercial property alike, are covered.

The ordinance dates to 1989 (Ord. No. 89-238) and sits in Chapter 14's animals article alongside the separate rule barring dogs on business premises without warning signage. Because the sanctuary designation applies citywide rather than to a specific park or preserve, it functions as a blanket no-hunting, no-trapping rule layered on top of state and federal wildlife protections such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, giving city code enforcement and police an independent local charge to use against anyone caught killing or trapping birds, or disturbing nests, within Tampa.