Pasco County, FL Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Pasco County Code Sec. 14-97
- Direct control defined
- Sec. 14-27 (fence, leash, cord, or chain)
- Tether near public/neighbor property
- Prohibited without written consent (14-97(b))
- Hunting-dog exemption
- While actively training/hunting under FWC rules
- Maximum civil penalty
- $500.00 per offense (Sec. 14-33)
Summary
Pasco County Code of Ordinances Sec. 14-97 makes it unlawful to let a dog roam, wander, or run at large on any public street or private property in unincorporated Pasco County; every dog must be under the direct control of a person capable of managing it.
Sec. 14-97. Running at large. (a) It shall be unlawful for any person who keeps, harbors or owns any dog or pot bellied pig to allow or permit the dog or pot bellied pig to roam, wander or run at large in, on or about any public street, roadway or place in the unincorporated area of the County or in, on or about the private property of any person or persons including the dog or pot bellied pig owner's property. Except as provided in this section, all dogs and pot bellied pigs shall be under the direct control and supervision of a person who is capable of controlling and managing such dog or pot bellied pig. (b) It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dog or pot bellied pig to tie, chain or tether a dog or pot bellied pig such that it has access to public property, roadway or the property of another without the express written consent of such adjoining property owner. (c) Specifically trained dogs used for hunting purposes are exempt from this section to the extent that the dogs may be permitted to run free while the dogs are in the act of training or hunting, provided the dogs are accompanied in the field by the owner or his agent.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 14, Article II (Animal Control), Sec. 14-97 'Running at large' prohibits any person who owns, keeps, or harbors a dog from allowing it to roam or run at large in the unincorporated county, including on the owner's own property, and requires all dogs to be under the 'direct control' of a competent person. 'Direct control' is defined in Sec. ' Sec. 14-97(b) also makes it unlawful to tie, chain, or tether a dog so that it has access to public property, a roadway, or a neighbor's property without that adjoining owner's written consent.
Specifically trained hunting dogs are exempt while actively training or hunting under FWC rules when accompanied by the owner or agent. Animal Services officers may impound any dog seen at large and may enter private property (except inside a dwelling) in active pursuit. Separately, Sec. 14-100 'Tethering' limits how a dog may be tethered outdoors (visual range of an attending owner, proper collar/harness, tether at least five times the dog's body length, no extreme weather, dog at least six months old).
Violations & Fines
A violation of Chapter 14 is a civil infraction under Sec. 14-33; judgment may be entered for an amount not to exceed $500.00 per offense, with the specific fine set by the County Uniform Fine Schedule, and each day a continuing violation persists is a separate offense. An at-large dog may be impounded under Sec. 14-103 (minimum 72-hour hold; 144 hours if wearing a tag or traceable ID), and the owner must pay transportation, care, feeding, and licensing fees before release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dog have to be on a leash in unincorporated Pasco County?
Can I tie my dog where it can reach the sidewalk or my neighbor's yard?
What does it cost if my dog gets picked up running loose?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pasco County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Pasco County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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