Animal Ordinances in Dade City, FL

If you live in Dade City or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Dade City has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Chickens & Livestock

Dade City, Pasco County, Florida allows up to six hens, no roosters, at a single-family home if they are fully enclosed at least 20 feet from a neighbor's residence. Owners of two or more acres of residentially zoned land may also keep up to four livestock animals, registered with the city.

Key details: Max hens per single-family home: Six, no roosters. Coop setback: 20 feet from neighbor's residence. Livestock minimum lot size: Two acres, residentially zoned. Max livestock animals: Four per qualifying property. Front-yard livestock limit: Once a month, 24 hours.

Keeping more than six hens, keeping any rooster, keeping fowl at a duplex or multi-family address, or housing an unenclosed or improperly set-back coop violates § 18-3 and is enforceable by the city's code enforcement/license board. Livestock kept outside the two-acre minimum, left in the front yard more than the allowed 24 hours a month, or not registered with the city violates § 18-4 and can result in an order to remove the animals in addition to any fine imposed by the code board.

Dog Leash Laws

Dade City's parks code bars dogs from running at large in city parks, requiring every dog allowed in a park to stay on an adequate leash at all times. Code § 66-37(h) sits inside Chapter 66's Recreational Activities section and is a park-specific rule, not a citywide at-large ordinance.

Key details: Governing section: Code § 66-37(h). Scope: city park property only. Requirement: adequate leash at all times where permitted. Adopted: Ord. No. 700, June 25, 1996. Amended: Ord. No. 2011-06, Oct. 11, 2011.

Letting a dog run loose in a Dade City park, or bringing an unleashed dog into a park area where dogs are otherwise permitted, violates § 66-37(h) and is treated as a park-use violation; the public works director and city police can order the dog and owner removed from the park and issue a citation under the parks chapter's enforcement authority.

Beekeeping

Beekeeping is permitted in Dade City under Florida state preemption (FL §586). Beekeepers must register with FDACS and follow Best Management Practices. Up to 3 colonies are allowed on lots of one-quarter acre or less.

Key details: State Law: FL §586 (preempts local bans). Registration: Required with FDACS. Small Lots: 3 colonies on 1/4 acre or less. HOA Exception: HOAs may restrict.

The rules around beekeeping in Dade City lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Dade City's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Dade City is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Dade City can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.