Tallahassee, FL Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Core rule
- Dog under direct control at all times
- Direct control means
- Leash, secure fence, kennel or crate
- Voice control exception
- Certified working/competition dogs only
- Private property
- Consent required even if controlled
- Off-leash areas
- City-designated dog parks only
Summary
Tallahassee requires every dog to be under its owner's direct control at all times, on or off the owner's property, under Section 4-103 of the Code of General Ordinances. Direct control means an effective leash, secure fence, kennel or crate; voice control only counts for certified working dogs actively performing tasks.
At large means any animal, other than a dog, that is off the premises of the owner, while not under the supervision and control of the owner, or, in the case of dogs, any dog that is not at all times, whether on or off the premises of the owner, under the direct control of the owner. ... (a)The owner or custodian of an animal shall prevent such animal from running or remaining at large on any public street, road, alley, park or other public space.(b)It shall be unlawful for any animal to run or remain at large upon any private property, whether under direct control or not, without the consent of that property administrator, owner, or legal tenant.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Land Development Code: Supplement 75 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 75).
Full Breakdown
Section 4-2 defines 'at large' for dogs more strictly than for any other animal: while most animals are at large only when off the owner's premises and unsupervised, a dog is at large any time, on or off the owner's property, that it is not under the owner's direct control. 'Direct control' is defined in the same section as effective, immediate, continuous physical control by means of a leash, lead, kennel, secure fence, or a chain strong enough to restrain the dog, handled by someone capable of restraining it, or safe confinement in a building or vehicle.
Voice control substitutes for a leash only for a working dog actively herding or hazing, or a dog actually competing in certified training, an official showing, obedience or field event, and only while the handler keeps the dog in unobstructed sight and hearing. Section 4-103(a) requires the owner to prevent the dog from running or remaining at large on any public street, road, alley, park or public space, and Section 4-103(b) separately bars a dog from running or remaining on private property, controlled or not, without the property owner's or tenant's consent.
Section 4-103(c) bars tethering a dog on public or private property, or in a manner that lets it reach such property, without that property's consent. Section 4-103(f) carves out exceptions for ADA service animals, law enforcement and rescue dogs on duty, and dogs at a city-designated off-leash park under the immediate supervision of their owner and following posted rules.
Violations & Fines
An owner or keeper of a dog found at large is responsible for the violation under Section 4-103(d), and the dog may be impounded by Tallahassee Animal Services. General animal-violation fines under Section 4-52(c) start at $50.00 for a first infraction, $100.00 for a second, and $250.00 for each infraction after that, plus court costs, unless the owner instead completes a basic animal care course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog be off-leash in my own fenced yard?
Is voice control ever enough instead of a leash?
Where can I legally let my dog off-leash?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tallahassee
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