Hernando County, FL Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash Law
- County Code § 6-24
- Direct Control
- Leash, cord, or chain
- At Large
- Subject to impoundment
- Rabies & License
- Required at four months
Summary
Hernando County requires every dog off its owner's property to be leashed and under direct control. Section 6-2 defines direct control as immediate, continuous physical restraint. Dogs running at large may be impounded by county Animal Services.
Immediate and continuous physical control of animal at all times such as by means of a fence, leash, cord or chain of sufficient strength to restrain the animal.
Full Breakdown
Hernando County's leash law is in Chapter 6, Section 6-24 of the county code and binds the whole county from Brooksville to Spring Hill. An owner must ensure a dog does not stray or run at large on any public property or another's private property; the dog may be off its own premises only if leashed and under direct control. Section 6-2 defines direct control as immediate and continuous physical control by a fence, leash, cord, or chain strong enough to restrain the animal. A dog loose on the owner's land must be supervised or fenced. Rabies vaccination and county licensing are required for dogs, cats, and ferrets four months or older.
Violations & Fines
A dog running at large under section 6-24 may be impounded by Hernando County Animal Services and the owner cited; the owner is liable regardless of knowledge or intent. Repeat or biting incidents can trigger dangerous-dog proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hernando County have a leash law?
Can my dog be loose in my own yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hernando County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Hernando County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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