Santa Rosa County, FL Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies where
- Designated direct-control areas only
- Direct control
- Fence, leash, cord, or chain
- Loose dog status
- Deemed an animal nuisance
- Enforcement
- Seizure and impoundment
- Ordinance
- Santa Rosa County Ch. 4, Sec. 18(9)
Summary
In designated direct-control areas of unincorporated Santa Rosa County, dogs off their owner's premises must be under immediate, continuous physical control by fence, leash, cord, or chain. Loose dogs are an animal nuisance and may be impounded.
It shall be a violation of this Ordinance for any animal to be off the premises of its owner or person responsible for said animal, without being in direct control of its owner, person responsible therefor, or other person. Dogs not under direct control shall be considered an animal nuisance and may be seized, restrained, impounded, and disposed of.
Full Breakdown
The Santa Rosa County Animal Control Ordinance (Ch. 4) requires that any animal off its owner's premises be under 'direct control' in designated areas. Direct control means immediate, continuous physical restraint by a fence, leash, cord, or chain strong enough to hold the animal. Dogs not under direct control are deemed an animal nuisance and may be seized, restrained, and impounded like an unlicensed animal. Direct-control areas are those platted subdivisions listed in the ordinance (79-03 onward) plus all incorporated areas; the Board can add or remove areas by later ordinance on petition. Outside those areas the county sets no leash rule.
Violations & Fines
Loose dogs are an animal nuisance; may be seized, impounded, and disposed of as an unlicensed animal. Owner cited for a civil infraction under Resolution 2019-24.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the whole county require leashes?
What counts as direct control?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Rosa County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Santa Rosa County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.