Citrus County, FL Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- shelter redemption or adoption
- Cost
- borne by the owner
- Who implants
- state-licensed veterinarian
- Tag exemption
- registered microchip can replace physical tag
Summary
Citrus County requires every animal to be implanted with a microchip before it can be redeemed by its owner or adopted out of the county shelter, at the owner's expense. Citrus County Code Section 14-37 puts the cost on the owner and requires a licensed veterinarian, or someone directly supervised by one, to do the implant before the animal leaves animal services, whether the animal is being claimed by its original owner or newly adopted.
e.All animals shall be implanted with a microchip prior to being redeemed. The owner shall be responsible for the cost of implanting the microchip and shall pay the fee prior to redeeming the animal. The procedure shall be done by, or under the direct supervision of, a veterinarian currently licensed by the state. ... c.All animals being adopted from animal services shall be implanted with a microchip for positive and permanent identification prior to release, and upon payment of fees for such service.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 76).
Full Breakdown
Section 14-37(1)(e) covers redemption: "All animals shall be implanted with a microchip prior to being redeemed. The owner shall be responsible for the cost of implanting the microchip and shall pay the fee prior to redeeming the animal. " The requirement sits alongside, but is separate from, sterilization: redeemed animals lacking proof of current registration, rabies vaccination or sterilization must be sterilized and vaccinated by the shelter veterinarian before release, with limited exceptions for animals too young or infirm, or already carrying a current unaltered license and microchip. " The microchip mandate itself, however, is triggered specifically by a shelter redemption or adoption, not by pet ownership generally.
Violations & Fines
The microchipping requirement is enforced as a condition of release from animal services rather than through a standalone fine; an animal will not be released without it. More broadly, violations of Chapter 14's animal control article carry a civil penalty of up to $500.00 per day under Section 14-60, with a mandatory $5.00 officer-training surcharge added to any citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to microchip my dog to get it back from Citrus County animal services?
Who pays for the microchip?
Does a microchip replace the county tag requirement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Citrus County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Citrus County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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