Monroe County, FL Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)

Monroe County Code § 4-69(a) bars any person in the county from owning, possessing, or having control or custody of a dog, cat, or rabbit six months of age or older that isn't spayed or neutered, except for animals covered by an exemption license. 00 per animal. Section 4-69(c) backs the requirement at the shelter level: an animal control officer cannot release an unaltered dog, cat, or rabbit six months or older to its owner unless it is spayed, neutered, or covered by the exemption license, though the owner may have their own veterinarian perform the procedure at their expense.

Section 4-69(d) adds a fine for an unaltered animal picked up at large or surrendered to the shelter, waived only if the owner agrees to have it altered before leaving, or a per-offense fine if the owner keeps the animal intact under a valid exemption license. 00 for a third or later offense under § 4-46(c)(3)(c), for unregistered litters.