Seminole County, FL Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Seminole County Code § 20.39
- Daytime tether ban
- 9 a.m.-5 p.m., max 1 supervised hour
- Minimum line length
- 10 feet
- Age limit
- Not allowed under 6 months old
- Severe weather
- Strictly prohibited (lightning, heat, cold)
- First offense fine
- $50 civil penalty
- Community cats
- Exempt from licensing under TNVR, § 20.17(f)
Summary
Seminole County limits how long a dog or cat may be tied to a fixed-point restraining device: never between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. except one supervised hour, never under six months old, and never during lightning, hurricane, or extreme heat or cold. Community cats fed under a county-recognized TNVR program are exempt from licensing entirely.
(a)A fixed-point restraining device is hereby defined as a trolley system, chain, cord, leash, cable, or similar device attached to one or more fixed points, including a house, tree, fence, post, garage or shed, used to confine a dog or cat to the owner's property. The device must be a minimum of ten feet in length...(b)A fixed-point restraining device must not be used to confine a dog or cat outdoors between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., except as provided in this Part. A dog or cat may be attached to a fixed-point restraining device for a period of time not to exceed one hour per day, and must be directly supervised and accompanied by the owner outside for the duration.(d)It is unlawful to use a fixed-point restraining device to confine any dog or cat under the age of six (6) months.(e)During any time of severe weather, the use of a fixed-point restraining device to secure a dog or cat onto the owner's property is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, lightning storms, tornado warnings, hurricane warnings, heat index above ninety (90) degrees Fahrenheit, temperatures below thirty-two (32) degrees Fahrenheit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 1 | Land Development Code: Supplement 2).
Full Breakdown
39 defines a fixed-point restraining device as a trolley, chain, cord, cable or leash anchored to a house, tree, fence, post, garage or shed to confine a dog or cat to the owner's property; the device must run at least ten feet and no longer than necessary. , and even then only for up to one hour a day while the owner directly supervises and stays outside with the animal. only with a ten-foot minimum line, an appropriate collar or harness (pinch, choke and prong collars are banned), placement that prevents entanglement or strangulation, and separate lines for each animal in a multi-pet household.
Subsection (d) bans tethering any dog or cat under six months old outright, and subsection (e) strictly prohibits fixed-point restraint during lightning storms, tornado or hurricane warnings, a heat index above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, or temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. 17 and from licensing, because they have no known owner. 58 that had set license fees and tag prerequisites.
Violations & Fines
A fixed-point restraining device violation is a noncriminal infraction under Section 20.137: $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second violation of the same section within three years, and a mandatory court appearance plus a $200 fine for a third violation. Citations may be paid within ten days or contested before a hearing officer; refusing to sign or post bond is itself a violation punished under Florida Statutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tie my cat outside during the day in Seminole County?
Do I need a license for a community cat colony?
What collar can I use to tether my cat overnight?
Is tethering ever completely banned?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Seminole County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Seminole County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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