Temple Terrace's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Temple Terrace, Florida, there are 7 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Wildlife Feeding

Feeding alligators, bears, and sandhill cranes is a state-level misdemeanor under FL 379.412. Feeding of raccoons, foxes and other wildlife is also discouraged. The Hillsborough River borders Temple Terrace and has active alligator population.

Key details: State Law: FL 379.412. Alligator Feeding: Misdemeanor. Fine: Up to $500. River: Active gator population. Agency: FWC.

Alligator feeding: $500 fine, 60 days jail possible. Bear feeding: $500 fine. FWC citation. Nuisance animals that must be removed may be destroyed.

This is one of the stricter rules in Temple Terrace's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Exotic Pets

Exotic pet ownership in Temple Terrace is governed by FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Class I/II/III classifications under FL 379. Class I (large cats, bears, chimps) prohibited. Class II/III require state permits.

Key details: Agency: FL FWC. Class I: Prohibited. Class II Permit: $140 + 1000 hrs. Class III: Free permit. Pythons: Conditional species.

Class I possession: third-degree felony, up to 5 years prison, $5,000 fine. Class II/III without permit: second-degree misdemeanor. Animal confiscation.

This is one of the stricter rules in Temple Terrace's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Chickens & Livestock

Backyard chickens are permitted in Temple Terrace in limited numbers on residential lots, typically up to 4-6 hens. No roosters allowed due to noise. Coops must be setback from property lines and maintained sanitarily.

Key details: Typical Limit: 4-6 hens. Roosters: Prohibited. Coop Setback: 10-15 feet. HOA: Often prohibits. Egg Sales: FL 500.80 cottage food.

Warning first. Citation $100 for excess birds or improper coop placement. $250 for rooster violation. Code Enforcement Board referral for continued violation.

Pet Limits

Temple Terrace follows Hillsborough County pet limits of 4 dogs or cats per household in residential zones. Exceeding requires a kennel or multiple pet permit. Enforcement is complaint-driven.

Key details: Dog Limit: 4 typical. Cat Limit: 4 typical. Under 4 months: Usually excluded. Kennel: Permit required over limit. HOA: Often 2-3 limit.

Warning first. $100 citation for excess pets. $250 for operating a kennel without permit. Referral for seizure possible for hoarding.

Breed Restrictions

No breed-specific restrictions are allowed in Temple Terrace. FL 767.14 preempts breed bans statewide, and Miami-Dades grandfathered pit bull ban was repealed by referendum in October 2023. Dangerous dog determinations are behavior-based.

Key details: State Preemption: FL 767.14. Breed Bans: Prohibited. Miami-Dade: Repealed Oct 2023. Dangerous Dogs: Behavior-based. HOA: May restrict.

No breed-based citations possible. Dangerous dog violations: $500 fine, mandatory muzzling, $100K liability insurance, secure enclosure required.

Temple Terrace is more permissive than most cities when it comes to breed restrictions. That said, there are still limits.

Dog Leash Laws

All dogs in Temple Terrace must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when off the owners property, per Hillsborough County Animal Ordinance adopted by reference. Off-leash dogs are impounded and owners fined.

Key details: Leash Length: 6 feet maximum. Off-Leash Parks: None in city. First Fine: $100 + impound. Voice Control: Not a defense. State Law: FL 767 backup.

First offense $100 citation plus impound fee. Second offense $250. Attack/bite: dangerous dog designation under FL 767 with mandatory insurance and enclosure.

Compared to other cities, Temple Terrace takes a harder line on dog leash laws. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Beekeeping

Beekeeping is permitted in Temple Terrace under FL 586.10 state preemption. Cities cannot ban beekeeping. FDACS annual registration required for all hives. HOAs may still restrict.

Key details: State Law: FL 586.10 preemption. Registration: FDACS annual. Fee: Free. Typical Hives: 2-4 residential. HOA: May restrict.

Failure to register with FDACS: $500 state fine. Local enforcement only for nuisance placement under general code. No local ban allowed.

Temple Terrace is more permissive than most cities when it comes to beekeeping. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Temple Terrace is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Temple Terrace, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Temple Terrace 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.