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Martin County, FL Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

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Key Facts

Code Section: Ch. 9, Sec. 9.90 (leash)
Restraint Required: Off owner's property
Min Tether Length: 10 ft or 5x animal length
Enforcement: MCSO Animal Services Unit

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Martin County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Summary

Martin County Code section 9.90 requires that dogs in unincorporated Martin County be restrained by a leash, chain, or other similar device when off the owner's property. Working and hunting dogs under direct voice command of the owner are exempt.

Full Breakdown

Chapter 9 of the Martin County Code (Animals) governs dog control. Section 9.90 prohibits dogs from running at large; owners must keep dogs on a leash or other physical restraint whenever the animal is off the owner's premises. The chapter also includes detailed tethering rules: dogs may only be tethered when in visual range of a responsible adult who is outside with the dog; tethers must be at least 10 feet long or 5 times the length of the animal (whichever is greater); the dog must have water, shade, and dry ground; and tethering of sick, injured, or very young/old dogs is prohibited. Martin County also adopted an updated dangerous-dog ordinance in 2024.

Violations & Fines

Animal Services (Martin County Sheriff's Office) enforces Ch. 9. Civil citations are typical for first leash violations; repeat offenders and aggressive/dangerous-dog violations can be charged as misdemeanors under Fla. Stat. ch. 767. Animal Services may impound at-large dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Must my dog be on a leash in Martin County?

Yes. Section 9.90 of the county code requires a leash, chain, or similar restraint whenever your dog is off your own property, except for working or hunting dogs under direct voice command of the owner.

Can I tether my dog in the yard?

Only while you are outside with the dog and within visual range. Tethers must be at least 10 feet (or 5x the dog's length), and the dog must have water, shade, and dry ground.

How does Martin County compare?

See how Martin County's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.

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Martin County, FL Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

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