Lake County, FL Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Wildlife hybrids
- Need state permit
- Hybrid fine
- $500
- Exotic species
- FWC-regulated
- State authority
- FAC Ch. 68A; FS Ch. 379
- Enclosures
- Must meet FWC rules
Summary
Lake County prohibits owning wildlife hybrids of the dog or cat family without a state permit (Code Sec. 4-30). Truly wild or exotic species are regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under Chapter 379 and FAC Chapter 68A, which requires state permits or licenses.
It is a violation of this section to own, harbor, keep, transport, sell, or breed any wildlife hybrid of the family canis or felis, or breed any wildlife with a dog or cat, unless the owner is in possession of an appropriate permit issued by an agency of the state authorizing such activity.(b)Any wildlife hybrid not exempted from the application of this section by virtue of being the subject of a state permit described in subsection (a) is contraband. The wildlife hybrid shall be delivered to an individual possessing an appropriate state permit, an Animal Rescue Organization, or be euthanized.(c)The recommended penalty for a violation of this section is a fine of five hundred dollars ($500.00). (Ord. No. 2009-47, § 2, 9-1-09; Ord. No. 2017-16, § 2, 4-4-17; Ord. No. 2018-22, § 2, 5-8-18; Ord. No. 2024-34, § 2, 9-24-24)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 150).
Full Breakdown
Lake County Code Sec. 4-30 makes it a violation to own, keep, sell, or breed any wildlife hybrid of the canis (dog) or felis (cat) family, or to breed wildlife with a dog or cat, unless the owner holds an appropriate state permit; unpermitted hybrids are contraband. Broader exotic-pet keeping is preempted to the FWC, which classifies wildlife into permit tiers (Class I, II, III) under FAC Chapter 68A and Chapter 379, Florida Statutes. Sec. 4-59(c) requires wild or exotic animals to be caged per FWC regulations.
Violations & Fines
A wildlife-hybrid violation carries a recommended $500 fine (Sec. 4-30); FWC permit violations are enforced separately by the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own a wolfdog or Savannah cat in Lake County?
Who regulates exotic pets like reptiles or big cats?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lake County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Lake County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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