Martin County, FL Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Where it applies
- All Martin County parks
- Feeding wildlife
- Unlawful, any substance
- Attempting to pet wildlife
- Also prohibited
- Citation
- County Code Sec. 17.13.B.9
Summary
Martin County makes it unlawful to give food, tobacco, alcohol, or other substances to any wild animal in a County park, or to try to pet one.
...it is unlawful for any person in any County park; ... 9. To give, offer or attempt to give to any wild animal any food, tobacco, alcohol, foreign object or other known noxious substances or attempt to pet any wild animal.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 | Land Development Regulations: Supplement 62).
Full Breakdown
County Code Sec. 17.13.B.9 bars anyone in a Martin County park from giving, offering, or attempting to give food, tobacco, alcohol, a foreign object, or other known noxious substance to a wild animal, or attempting to pet one. It sits alongside a broader ban in the same subsection on molesting, harming, hunting, killing, trapping, frightening, or chasing wildlife, mammals, and even echinoderms like starfish and sand dollars within County parks.
Violations & Fines
Violating park rules under Sec. 17.9/17.13 is enforceable as a County ordinance violation, punishable per Sec. 17.4 and the County's general penalty provisions; park staff or a law enforcement officer can cite an offender on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed geese or raccoons at a Martin County park?
Does the ban cover trying to pet wildlife too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Martin County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Martin County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.