Animal Ordinances in Kissimmee, FL: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Kissimmee or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Kissimmee has 6 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Chickens & Livestock

Sec. 6-20(b) limits each household to three domestic fowl total (chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, pigeons) and requires a minimum one-acre parcel to keep them. Larger livestock — cows, horses, mules, swine, sheep, goats — are prohibited from running at large under Sec. 6-20(a).

Key details: Code Section: Sec. 6-20. Max Domestic Fowl: 3 birds. Min Lot Size: 1 acre. Roosters: Allowed (within 3-bird cap). Livestock Running: Prohibited.

Sec. 1-22(b)(15) — $100 for domestic fowl running at large. Sec. 1-22(b)(14) — $100 for animals running at large (Sec. 6-20(a) farm animals). Sec. 6-21 pen maintenance violations enforced via Code Enforcement Board.

Breed Restrictions

Kissimmee has no breed-specific dog regulations — Florida §767.14 preempts breed-specific local ordinances statewide. Dogs are regulated by behavior, not breed.

Key details: Breed-Specific Rules: None (preempted). Preempting Statute: F.S. §767.14. Dangerous Dog Test: F.S. §767.11. Liability Insurance: $100K (dangerous dogs).

There are no breed-specific penalties. Dangerous-dog determinations under F.S. §767.13 carry strict liability rules and may require muzzling, secure enclosure, $100,000 liability insurance, and registration with Osceola County.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Kissimmee gives residents more flexibility on breed restrictions.

Wildlife Feeding

Kissimmee has no city-specific wildlife-feeding ordinance. Florida F.S. §379.412 makes intentional feeding of wild bears, alligators, raccoons, foxes, or sandhill cranes a second-degree misdemeanor — applicable citywide. The entire city is a designated bird sanctuary under Sec. 6-58.

Key details: City Rule: None specific. State Statute: F.S. §379.412. Bird Sanctuary: Citywide (Sec. 6-58). FWC Hotline: 866-FWC-GATOR.

F.S. §379.412 — second-degree misdemeanor for feeding listed wildlife (up to 60 days / $500). Sec. 22-50 sanitary nuisance citations possible if feeding creates rodent/insect infestations.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Kissimmee gives residents more flexibility on wildlife feeding.

Dog Leash Laws

Sec. 6-20(c) prohibits domestic dogs from running at large in Kissimmee. Osceola County Code Ch. 4 (which applies citywide) sets the leash standard — dogs must be under physical control (leashed or otherwise restrained) when off the owner's property.

Key details: Code Section: Sec. 6-20(c), 6-26. Leash Required: Off-property. Park Rule: Sec. 28-50(7) leashed. Waste Removal: Required (Sec. 6-26). Running at Large: $100 fine.

Sec. 1-22(b)(14) — $100 for animals running at large. Osceola County Animal Services citations carry separate fines, typically $50-$250 escalating. Repeat at-large dogs can be declared 'dangerous' under F.S. §767.12. Failure to remove waste under Sec. 6-26 is subject to general Code Enforcement penalties.

Exotic Pets

Sec. 6-27 prohibits ownership of pigs or other swine except purebred miniature Vietnamese potbellied pigs — limited to two per household, indoors only, spayed/neutered. Other exotic animals are regulated by Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Class I/II/III licensing.

Key details: Code Section: Sec. 6-27. Allowed Pigs: Vietnamese potbellied only. Max Pigs: 2 per household. Housing: Indoor only. Spay/Neuter: Required.

Sec. 1-22(a) general penalty up to $500 for Sec. 6-27 violations. Sec. 6-27(b) cross-references Sec. 22-50 sanitary nuisance — pigs declared nuisances must be removed. FWC violations are state misdemeanors with separate $500-$1,000 fines.

Beekeeping

Florida F.S. §586.10 preempts most local regulation of beekeeping. Cities cannot adopt ordinances prohibiting registered apiarists from keeping bees. Kissimmee has no city-specific beekeeping ordinance.

Key details: Local Authority: Preempted. State Statute: F.S. §586.10. Registration: FDACS annual. BMP Compliance: Encouraged.

No local beekeeping fines. F.S. §586.04 requires registration; non-registered apiary subject to $500 FDACS fines.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Kissimmee gives residents more flexibility on beekeeping.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Kissimmee gives residents more room on animal ordinances. 3 of the 6 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

All of the above reflects Kissimmee's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.