Alachua County Code §72.12 requires owners to maintain physical control of dogs at all times when off the owner's property. First offense fine is $250; second offense $500.
Section 72.12 of Chapter 72 (Animals), Title 7 of the Alachua County Code requires that an owner maintain physical control of a dog at all times when the dog is off the owner's property, unless the property owner or lessee consents and the dog is under immediate adult supervision. Off the owner's property is broadly defined as any public or private property including streets, sidewalks, schools, parks, and private property of others. Limited exceptions apply: police, fire, and search-and-rescue dogs in official capacity; trained certified service dogs assisting persons with disabilities; and dogs in organized training or exhibition events such as obedience trials, conformation shows, field trials, hunting, and herding. Repeat violations can trigger the Irresponsible Pet Owner provisions in §72.43, adopted in 2019. Florida Statute §828.27 governs dangerous-dog classifications separately. Alachua County Animal Services enforces.
Failure to maintain physical control under §72.12 carries a $250 fine for the first offense and $500 for the second offense. Multiple violations may result in an Irresponsible Pet Owner designation under §72.43, which can require additional registration, insurance, or compliance steps. Dangerous-dog cases under F.S. §828.27 carry separate state penalties.
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