Alachua County, FL Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

44 is the county's operative regulation of the commercial sale of dogs and cats in unincorporated Alachua County; there is no separate 'pet store' provision or retail sale ban in the code, so a store selling puppies or kittens would fall under this breeder-permit framework as a commercial breeder. The section defines a commercial breeder as any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or association that, in the ordinary course of business, sells more than two litters or 20 or more dogs or cats per year, including breeders who sell directly to consumers, while a hobby breeder stays under that threshold.

44(b)(1), no breeder may cause or allow breeding, or offer an animal for breeding or stud, without first obtaining a permit from the county; the permit is valid for one year, must be renewed annually, is limited to one per person or business, and cannot be issued or renewed to an applicant with outstanding civil penalties or unpaid citations. Commercial breeders must keep birth and veterinary records for at least three years, report each buyer's name, address, and phone number to animal resources annually, furnish each buyer a copy of the animal's record, the breeder permit number, its microchip number, and a signed health certificate, and may not sell or give away a puppy or kitten under eight weeks old except through a shelter or welfare organization.

or in the breeder's absence. The director may deny or revoke a permit for misstatements, prior violations, animal cruelty findings, unmet medical needs, or refusing an inspection, with a five-day window to appeal in writing to the county manager.