Pasco County, FL Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Pasco County Code Sec. 14-108
- Retail sale of dogs/cats/rabbits
- Prohibited
- Public-place sales
- Banned on streets, within 50 ft of ROW, flea markets, open-air venues
- Exemptions
- Rescue organizations, government agencies, showcase adoptions
- Penalty
- $500.00 civil penalty per offense (per animal, per day)
Summary
Pasco County Code Sec. 14-108 bans retail pet stores from selling, delivering, or giving away dogs, cats, or rabbits, and prohibits sales of these animals on public streets, rights-of-way, flea markets, parking lots, and open-air venues; rescue and shelter adoptions are exempt.
Sec. 14-108. Prohibition on the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits. (a) Any retail establishment, including a pet store, as defined in this chapter, shall not sell, deliver, offer for sale, barter, auction, give away or otherwise transfer or dispose of a dog, cat, or rabbit. (b) Prohibition on retail sale in public places. (1) Any sale, barter, auction, or giving away of dogs, cats, or rabbits, to include puppies and kittens, are prohibited on any public or private streets and rights-of-way, within 50 feet of any right-of-way, at any flea market, or private parking lots or any open-air venue, such as, but not limited to, parades, concerts, and festivals. ... (e) Penalty. A pet seller that violates this section shall be subject to penalties in accordance with Section 1-6 of this Code and a civil penalty of $500.00 for each offense. Each dog, cat, or rabbit offered for sale in violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense. Each day a pet store is in violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 14, Article II, Sec. 14-108 'Prohibition on the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits' provides that any retail establishment, including a pet store, may not sell, deliver, offer for sale, barter, auction, give away, or otherwise transfer a dog, cat, or rabbit. It also bars the sale, barter, auction, or giving away of dogs, cats, or rabbits (including puppies and kittens) on any public or private street or right-of-way, within 50 feet of any right-of-way, at any flea market, in private parking lots, or at any open-air venue such as parades, concerts, and festivals.
Sales by a licensed breeder, pet dealer, or large kennel may take place only at the licensed premises. Animal rescue organizations and government agencies are exempt, and pet stores may collaborate with shelters and rescues to showcase adoptable animals (at least eight weeks old) so long as the store holds no ownership interest in them and posts a Certificate of Source. The ordinance is designed to steer consumers toward shelter and rescue adoption and away from commercial puppy/kitten supply chains.
Violations & Fines
A pet seller that violates Sec. 14-108 is subject to penalties under Code Sec. 1-6 plus a civil penalty of $500.00 for each offense; each dog, cat, or rabbit offered for sale in violation is a separate offense, and each day a pet store remains in violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pet store in Pasco County sell puppies or kittens?
Can I buy a puppy at a flea market or roadside stand?
How can pet stores still help with animals?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pasco County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Pasco County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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