Seminole County, FL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

11, Florida Statutes, or one that has been declared dangerous by the Animal Control Official or Special Magistrate; a dog declared dangerous by another jurisdiction is treated as dangerous in Seminole County too. Nothing in the definition turns on breed. 26 lets an owner appeal an initial dangerous designation to the Special Magistrate within ten business days, and the dog cannot be euthanized while that appeal is pending. 26(b) requires a valid Dangerous Dog Certificate of Registration within thirty days, with any outstanding citations and fees paid first.

28 then sets the confinement standard: the dog must stay inside the home behind locked doors, or in a pen with a concrete pad at least four feet by eight feet, chain-link sides at least six feet high, a fully enclosed top, and a lockable gate inspected by the Animal Control Official before release. Outside the pen or home, the dog must be muzzled and leashed by a capable adult, tethering is banned outright, and the property must post a visible warning sign at every entry point.

The owner must show a current rabies vaccination and paid registration before release, notify the county if the dog escapes, bites, is sold, or moves, and renew the certificate annually within thirty days of the anniversary date or face a revocation hearing before the Special Magistrate. 24 separately covers a declared dangerous dog found at-large: the owner has five days to demand a hearing or the dog is euthanized, and a hearing officer's order to release the dog alive can add conditions, including a fine of up to $500.