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Santa Rosa County, FL Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Dedicated hoarding law
None; handled as nuisance/neglect
Nuisance numbers
Offensive odor or health hazard
Neglect
Civil infraction
Enforcement
Seizure and impoundment
State cruelty law
FS Ch. 828

Summary

Santa Rosa County has no separate hoarding ordinance, but animals kept in such numbers or manner as to create offensive odors or endanger public health are declared an animal nuisance, and neglecting animals is a civil infraction subject to impoundment.

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

Any owner or person, who neglects an animal by reason of failing to provide adequate food, drink proper medical care or shelter, which does not result in serious injury or death to the animal, shall be guilty of a civil infraction punishable as provided in Section 19 of this Ordinance.

View official code

Full Breakdown

The county addresses hoarding through its animal-nuisance and neglect provisions rather than a dedicated hoarding law. Animals kept in such a manner or in such numbers as to disturb by noxious or offensive odors or otherwise endanger the health and welfare of residents are declared an animal nuisance and prohibited. Separately, any person who neglects an animal by failing to provide adequate food, water, medical care, or shelter is guilty of a civil infraction. Animal Control Officers may seize and impound nuisance or neglected animals and, with the Sheriff's assistance and legal authority, enter premises to enforce the ordinance. Serious cases can be referred for state animal-cruelty prosecution under FS Chapter 828.

Violations & Fines

Keeping an animal nuisance or neglecting animals is a civil infraction under Resolution 2019-24; animals may be seized and impounded, and severe cruelty referred for state prosecution under FS 828.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a hoarding-specific law in Santa Rosa County?
No dedicated ordinance. Hoarding is enforced through the animal-nuisance provision (animals kept in numbers causing offensive odors or health hazards) and the animal-neglect provision, both civil infractions.
What happens to hoarded or neglected animals?
Animal Control may seize and impound them; neglect is a civil infraction, and severe cases can be referred for state animal-cruelty prosecution under Florida Statutes Chapter 828.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Santa Rosa County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsBeekeepingSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsExotic PetsSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All Santa Rosa County rules

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