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Lake County, FL Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Classified as
'Animal Establishment,' Sec. 4-3
Applies in
Unincorporated county + 13 municipalities
Cage clearance
4 inches above head and beyond body length
Feeding
≥1x/24 hrs; 2x for pets under 6 months
Fine
$500, Sec. 4-32(b)
Noncompliance
Closure + county license revoked

Summary

Lake County classifies any grooming shop as an 'Animal Establishment' under Sec. 4-3, and Sec. 4-32 requires it, like a kennel or cattery, to keep animals fed, exercised and housed in a clean, odor-free facility that an Animal Enforcement Officer can inspect anytime during reasonable hours, or risk closure and losing its license.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Lake County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Animal establishment means any pet shop, grooming shop, flea market, auction, riding school or stable, boarding, Kennel, cattery, or any other premises or property where animals are kept as part or whole of a business concern. ... All animals in an Animal Establishment and Kennel shall be properly fed and cared for at all times and the Animal Establishment and Kennel shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition so that the facility is not allowed to emit any offensive odors or noises as shall disturb the comfort, peace, quietude, or repose of any person residing in the vicinity of the establishment. The premises of the Animal Establishment and Kennel may be periodically inspected during reasonable hours by an Animal Enforcement Officer. Failure to maintain in compliance with this section may result in the closing of the Animal Establishment or Kennel and the revocation of any county license held by the Animal Establishment or Kennel.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 150).

Full Breakdown

Sec. 4-2 applies Lake County's animal chapter not just in the unincorporated county but, by agreement, inside thirteen municipalities including Clermont, Eustis, Leesburg, Mount Dora and Tavares. Sec. where animals are kept as part or whole of a business concern,' putting grooming shops under the same care rules as boarding kennels. Sec. 4-32(a) sets those standards: cages must be nonabsorbent, structurally sound, and sized so an animal can sit erect with four inches of headroom, turn around with four inches to spare, and walk the equivalent of its own body length; animals need feeding at least once every 24 hours (twice daily for dogs and cats under six months), continuous fresh water, daily exercise for weaned dogs, and separation of sick or incompatible animals.

Every establishment must keep a permanent record of any animal death, noting species, date and cause, open to inspection by an Animal Enforcement Officer, and must keep a licensed veterinarian's statement on file for any animal exempted from a requirement for medical reasons. Sec. 4-32(a)(10) ties all of this to licensure: the shop has to stay clean enough that it doesn't disturb neighbors with odor or noise, is subject to periodic inspection during reasonable hours, and can be closed, with any county license it holds revoked, for noncompliance.

Violations & Fines

The recommended penalty under Sec. 4-32(b) is a $500 fine, and the establishment or the responsible person is placed on the Lake County Animal Shelter's 'Do Not Adopt' list. Sec. 4-32(a)(10) separately authorizes the county to close the grooming shop and revoke any county license it holds if it fails to maintain the required sanitary and care standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a dog grooming business regulated under Lake County's animal chapter?
Yes. Sec. 4-3 defines 'Animal establishment' to include any grooming shop, so it must meet the same housing, feeding, and sanitation standards Sec. 4-32 sets for kennels and catteries, and is subject to the same inspection and license-revocation consequences.
How often does a grooming shop have to feed animals in its care?
At least once every 24 hours, including weekends and holidays, and twice a day for dogs and cats under six months old, with fresh water available continuously, under Sec. 4-32(a)(6)-(7).
Can Animal Enforcement inspect a grooming shop without notice?
Yes. Sec. 4-32(a)(10) allows an Animal Enforcement Officer to periodically inspect the premises during reasonable hours, and lets the county close the establishment and revoke its license if it isn't kept clean and sanitary.
What happens if a grooming shop fails its inspection?
It can face a $500 fine and be placed on the Lake County Animal Shelter's 'Do Not Adopt' list under Sec. 4-32(b), and the county can close the facility and revoke any county license it holds under Sec. 4-32(a)(10).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lake County

All Lake County rules

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