Hillsborough County, FL Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Age trigger
- 4 months or older
- Tag alternative
- Registered RFID microchip
- Chip ID filing deadline
- At licensing or implantation
- Max civil penalty
- $500 per citation
- Exempt
- Ear-tipped community cats
Summary
Hillsborough County lets a dog or cat wear a currently registered microchip instead of its county tag, but the chip's ID numbers must be reported to the Pet Resources Department at licensing or implantation, whichever comes first.
A dog or cat shall be required to wear its tag or have a currently registered Radio Frequency Identification RFID (microchip ID). Ear-tipped cats are not required to have or display a tag. The numbers/letters from the microchip, that uniquely identify the dog or cat must be provided to the Department at the time of licensure or implantation, whichever is soonest.
(b) Exceptions.
(1) An animal actively participating in a field trial, obedience trial, training exercise, conformation show and/or match or any other organized legal public competition, will not be required to wear its tag while participating in the activity. However, the handler must keep the tag on his or her person during the event. Dogs or cats kept in an enclosure such as a kennel or cage are not required to wear tags. Tags for such animals shall be in the possession of the owner or the person responsible for the animal.
(2) Authorized shelters and approved government agencies shall be exempt from the provisions of this section.
(c) Transfer of tags. A tag shall not be transferred from one animal to another animal.
(d) Lost tags. A replacement tag must be purchased and in place within ten calendar days if the original tag is lost, misplaced or stolen. (Ord. No. 00-26, § 6, 1-1-2001; Ord. No. 19-9, § 3, 4-23-2019)
Full Breakdown
Sec. 6-24(a) requires every dog and cat over four months old to display its county-issued registration tag unless it carries a currently registered Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) microchip. The chip is a legal substitute for the tag, but only once its unique ID numbers are on file with the Department. Sec. 6-22(d) separately makes the name and address tied to a registered microchip prima facie evidence of who owns the animal. Ear-tipped community cats are exempt from the tag-or-chip requirement.
Violations & Fines
Failing to tag or microchip a covered dog or cat is a civil infraction under Sec. 6-52, punishable by an animal control officer's citation and a civil penalty of up to $500.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a microchip replace the county pet tag in Hillsborough County?
Is a registered microchip proof of pet ownership?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsborough County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Hillsborough County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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