Palm Beach County, FL Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- cats 4 months and older
- Device required
- EAID (microchip)
- Enforced by
- Animal Care and Control Division
- Max fine
- $500 per violation
- Coverage
- unincorporated Palm Beach County only
Summary
Palm Beach County requires every cat four months or older to be implanted with an electronic animal ID (EAID) microchip, and owners must keep their contact information tied to that chip current with Animal Care and Control.
All cats four (4) months of age or older shall be implanted with an EAID, unless a veterinarian licensed in the State certifies in writing that a specific cat is medically unfit to be implanted with an EAID because of a medical condition, including but not limited to age, that would be substantially aggravated by such procedure or would likely cause the cat's death. The writing must state the date by which the cat may be safely implanted with an EAID. The Division may extend the time for implanting the cat with an EAID or may exempt such cat from the requirement based upon the written medical recommendation of a licensed veterinarian. As soon as the medical condition that prevents a cat from being implanted with an EAID ceases to exist, it shall be the duty of the owner of such cat to promptly comply with this section.(b)The owner of every cat shall keep his/her contact information associated with the EAID up to date with the Division.(c)EAIDs for community cats may be registered to a humane society, private animal nonprofit or individual. (Ord. No. 2015-027, § 3, 6-23-15)
Full Breakdown
The county Code of Ordinances requires every cat four months of age or older, owned pets and registered community cats alike, to be implanted with an Electronic Animal Identification Device (EAID), a microchip on a frequency the Animal Care and Control Division approves. A licensed veterinarian can certify in writing that a specific cat is medically unfit for the procedure, letting the Division extend the deadline or grant an exemption. Owners must keep contact information linked to the EAID current with the Division. This applies only in unincorporated Palm Beach County; West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach and Jupiter set their own rules.
Violations & Fines
Failure to comply is a civil infraction enforced by Animal Care and Control, punishable by a fine up to $500 per violation under § 4-32; a third or subsequent citation can trigger a mandatory court appearance instead of a payable fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Palm Beach County require dogs to be microchipped too?
Can a cat be exempted from the microchip requirement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Beach County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Beach County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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