Collier County, FL Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- License/rabies
- Cats four months and older
- Outdoor cats
- Must be sterilized
- Community cats
- Allowed if TNR-managed
- Colony care
- Ear-tip, vaccinate, feed daily
- Code
- Sec. 14-33, 14-35, 14-44
Summary
Cats over four months old must be licensed and rabies-vaccinated (sec. 14-33). Under sec. 14-35(1)(K), any cat that is outdoors while not under direct control must be sterilized. Managed community-cat colonies are allowed when sterilized, ear-tipped, vaccinated, and properly cared for (sec. 14-44).
Any cat that is outdoors while not under direct control must be sterilized.
2. It shall be unlawful to keep any female dog or cat in heat (estrus) which is not confined to a building or secure enclosure, veterinary hospital, or boarding kennel and in such a manner that the female dog or cat can come in contact with any male dog or cat except for intentional breeding with a specific male dog or cat.
(Ord. No. 2018-33, § 1)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 126 | Land Development Code: Supplement 33).
Full Breakdown
Collier County requires a rabies/license tag for every cat four months or older (sec. 14-33). Free-roaming cats face a sterilization mandate: sec. 14-35(1)(K) states any cat outdoors and not under direct control must be sterilized. Sec. 14-44 recognizes community-cat caregivers and colonies, provided the cats are sterilized, ear-tipped, and vaccinated for rabies, fed daily in maintained containers, and given clean water; such colony cats are exempt from the rabies-registration license and stray-animal provisions.
Violations & Fines
Unsterilized free-roaming cats and unlicensed cats over four months can bring civil citations under ch. 14. Community-cat colonies must meet the sec. 14-44 care standards or lose their exemption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my indoor cat need a license?
Are outdoor and feral cats allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Collier County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Collier County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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