Putnam County, FL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- Putnam County Code §§ 6-19, 6-31, 6-32
- Basis for declaration
- Documented bite, attack or menacing conduct
- Breed-specific ban
- None; conduct-based declaration only
- Registration
- Annual, with animal control department
- Violation fine
- Up to $500 per day
- Appeal window
- 7 days to special magistrate
Summary
Putnam County has no breed-specific dog ban. Instead, Section 6-19 defines a "dangerous dog" by conduct: biting or attacking a person, killing or repeatedly injuring another animal off the owner's property, or menacingly chasing someone. Once the department head declares a dog dangerous under Section 6-32, the owner must register it yearly, keep it muzzled off-property, and confine it in a secure, posted enclosure.
Dangerous dog means any dog that, according to Putnam County records: (1)Has aggressively bitten, attacked, or endangered or has inflicted severe injury on a human being on public or private property; or ... (a)A dog that has been designated dangerous must be registered as such with the animal control office on a yearly basis.(b) ... (2)A proper enclosure to confine the dangerous dog and a posting of the premises with a clearly visible warning sign at all entry points that informs people of the presence of a dangerous dog. ... (c)The dangerous dog shall be kept in the enclosure when outside. When the owner decides to take the dangerous dog for a walk, the dog shall wear a muzzle. ... (r)Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a noncriminal infraction, punishable by a fine not exceeding $500.00. Each day of such action is considered a separate offense.
Full Breakdown
Putnam County Code Chapter 6 regulates dogs by documented behavior rather than breed. Section 6-19 defines a "dangerous dog" as one that, per county records, has aggressively bitten, attacked or severely injured a person, has more than once severely injured or killed another domestic animal off its owner's property, or has unprovoked chased or approached someone in a menacing fashion, attested to in a sworn statement and investigated by an animal control officer. Section 6-31 lets the department head investigate a complaint, interview the owner and any witnesses, and issue a written determination the owner can appeal to the special magistrate within seven days; the magistrate must hold a hearing within 5 to 21 days, and either side can further appeal to county court within 30 days.
Once a dog is declared dangerous, Section 6-32 requires yearly registration with the animal control office, a current rabies vaccination, a secure enclosure posted with a visible warning sign at every entry point and verified by an officer, and a muzzle whenever the dog leaves the enclosure, including for walks. Dangerous dogs may not be used for hunting. A first unprovoked attack causing injury is a first-degree misdemeanor under Florida law, and the county can destroy the dog after a 10-day hold if the owner does not request a hearing.
Violating the registration, enclosure or muzzle rules themselves is a noncriminal infraction under Section 6-32(r), fined up to $500 with each day a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
Failing to register a declared dangerous dog, keep its enclosure secure and posted, or muzzle it off-property is a noncriminal infraction under Section 6-32(r), punishable by a fine up to $500 with each day counted separately. An unprovoked attack causing injury by a previously declared dangerous dog is a first-degree misdemeanor; one causing severe injury or death is a third-degree felony, and the dog is confiscated and may be destroyed after a 10-day hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Putnam County ban pit bulls or other breeds?
How does a dog get declared dangerous?
What must an owner do once a dog is declared dangerous?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Putnam County
How Putnam County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Putnam County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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