Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Lake County

Lake County, FL Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

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

Key Facts

Feeding bears
Prohibited (FWC)
Rule
FAC 68A-4.001
Lake County
Core bear habitat
Enforced by
FWC officers
Penalty
From $100 civil

Summary

Intentionally feeding bears, or leaving food or garbage that attracts them, is prohibited statewide by FWC rule (FAC 68A-4.001). Much of Lake County is black-bear habitat, so residents must secure trash and remove attractants. FWC, not the county, enforces wildlife-feeding rules.

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.

Placing food or garbage, allowing the placement of food or garbage, or offering food or garbage that attracts bears and is likely to create or creates a nuisance is prohibited after receiving prior written notification from the Commission.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Lake County lies in Florida's core black-bear range, and wildlife feeding is regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission under FAC 68A-4.001. Intentionally feeding bears is prohibited, and placing or allowing food or garbage that attracts bears and creates a nuisance is prohibited after prior written FWC notification. Residents are urged to use bear-resistant trash storage. General wildlife-feeding prohibitions in FAC 68A-4.001 also apply. This is a state rule enforced by FWC officers, not a Lake County ordinance.

Violations & Fines

Wildlife-feeding violations begin at a $100 civil penalty and escalate; serious bear-feeding offenses can be charged criminally (FAC 68A-4.001; FWC).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I feed bears or deer in Lake County?
No. FWC rule FAC 68A-4.001 prohibits intentionally feeding bears and leaving attractant food or garbage; Lake County is prime bear habitat, so securing trash is essential.
Is there a Lake County ordinance on feeding wildlife?
Wildlife feeding is primarily governed by state FWC rules rather than a county ordinance; FWC officers enforce the feeding prohibitions, with penalties starting at $100.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lake County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsPet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsMicrochippingSome RestrictionsExotic PetsSome RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsPet Store RulesHeavy RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsPet LimitsLight RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions

All Lake County rules

Florida rules heatmap·Compare Lake County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview

Get notified when Wildlife Feeding in Lake County, FL changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.