Safety Harbor, FL Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Bird feeders
- Generally allowed
- Alligators or bears
- Feeding prohibited
- Sandhill cranes
- Feeding prohibited
- Trash management
- Must be secured
- FWC penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to $500
Summary
Feeding alligators, bears, sandhill cranes, foxes, raccoons, and pelicans is prohibited under Florida law. Pinellas County Code further bans food placements that attract nuisance wildlife to Safety Harbor properties.
Feeding wildlife or freshwater fish with food or garbage; 2. Attracting or enticing wildlife or freshwater fish with food or garbage; or 3. Allowing the placement of food or garbage in a manner that attracts or entices wildlife or freshwater fish. (b) This section does not apply to rules or orders of the commission relating to: 1. Animals held in captivity; 2. Restricting the taking or hunting of species over bait or intentionally placed or deposited food; or 3. Restricting the taking or hunting of species in proximity to feeding stations. (2) A person who violates a prohibition or restriction identified in subsection (1): (a) For a first violation, commits a noncriminal infraction, punishable by a civil penalty of $100. 1.
Full Breakdown
Florida Administrative Code 68A-4.001 and 68A-25.001 prohibit intentional feeding of bears, alligators, crocodiles, sandhill cranes, foxes, raccoons, pelicans, and other listed species because it conditions wildlife to humans and creates safety hazards. Pinellas County Code Section 14-30 prohibits placing food or garbage in a manner that attracts wildlife and creates a public nuisance. Safety Harbor residents may use bird feeders responsibly, but cannot leave pet food, scraps, or unsecured trash that draws raccoons, coyotes, or other species. Repeat nuisance feeding can lead to Animal Services citations and FWC misdemeanor charges with fines up to five hundred dollars.
Violations & Fines
FWC charges feeding of listed species as a Level Two violation, second-degree misdemeanor. Local nuisance citations carry escalating fines and abatement orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed ducks at Safety Harbor parks?
Is leaving pet food outside considered wildlife feeding?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Safety Harbor
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Safety Harbor to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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Wildlife Feeding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Pinellas County handle wildlife feeding.