Escambia County, FL Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- General pet rule
- No county-wide chip mandate for owned pets
- Shelter redemption
- All redeemed animals chipped before release
- Dangerous dogs
- Chip required for registration, Sec. 10-15(e)(4)
- Irresponsible owners
- Chip within 30 days of designation
- Chip tampering
- 3rd-degree felony, F.S. § 767.12 & 775.082-.084
Summary
Escambia County requires microchips in two situations, not for pets generally. Under Code Sec. 10-13(b)(5), every animal redeemed from the county shelter must be microchipped before release. Under Sec. 10-15(e)(4), a dog classified as dangerous must be permanently microchipped, with current contact information on file, before it can be registered and returned to its owner.
(5)All redeemed animals are required to be microchipped before being redeemed... (4)The dog is permanently identified by implantation of a microchip and the contact information is current. Any person who knowingly and willfully removes a microchip implanted pursuant to dangerous dog requirements may be prosecuted by the state attorney for a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in F.S. §§ 767.12, 775.82, 775.083 or 775.084.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 113).
Full Breakdown
There is no county-wide mandatory microchip law for owned pets in Escambia County; the requirement is triggered by specific events under chapter 10. First, redemption from impoundment: Section 10-13(b)(5) states plainly that 'all redeemed animals are required to be microchipped before being redeemed,' and Section 10-13(b)(2) lists microchipping among the redemption fees an owner must pay along with proof of ownership, licensing compliance and other costs. 00 in liability insurance. S. Sec. 084. Separately, an owner found guilty more than twice within three years of a list of chapter 10 offenses, including at-large violations, dangerous-dog violations and cruelty, is designated an 'irresponsible animal owner' under Section 10-29 and must microchip every domestic animal in the household within 30 calendar days of that designation, whether or not the animal was ever impounded.
Violations & Fines
Redeeming an animal without the required microchip is not permitted; DAW will not release the animal until it is chipped, with the fee added to redemption costs. Failing to microchip a dangerous dog blocks the registration certificate needed to keep the dog, and removing a required microchip is a third-degree felony under F.S. Sec. 767.12 and 775.082-.084. An irresponsible owner who misses the 30-day chip deadline faces a fee-schedule fine under Section 10-22.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Escambia County require all dogs and cats to be microchipped?
Do I have to microchip a dog I'm getting back from Animal Welfare?
What happens if I remove my dangerous dog's microchip?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Escambia County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Escambia County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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