Animal Ordinances in Fort Myers, FL (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Fort Myers, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
The City of Fort Myers allows backyard hens (no roosters) only on single-family properties with a Florida Homestead Exemption on file with the Lee County Property Appraiser, and only after the owner submits the Backyard Hen Application. The coop must be at least 20 feet from neighboring dwellings.
Fort Myers Backyard Hen Program
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Lee County Domestic Animal Services (LCDAS) enforces animal control within the City of Fort Myers under Lee County Ordinance 14-22. Dogs must be under 'direct control' at all times when off the owner's property - meaning a leash not exceeding 8 feet in length, a fence, or other physical restraint. Running at large is prohibited.
Fort Myers Dog Leash Law (Lee County Ordinance 14-22)
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Fort Myers has no breed-specific dog law. Florida Statutes § 767.14 expressly preempts local breed-specific bans: no Florida municipality or county may adopt or enforce a dog law specific to breed. Dangerous-dog enforcement in Fort Myers is conduct-based, handled by Lee County Domestic Animal Services under Fla. Stat. §§ 767.11-767.16 and Lee County Ordinance 14-22.
Fort Myers Breed Restrictions (Preempted by Florida Law)
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Beekeeping in Fort Myers is governed by Florida state law, not local ordinance. Florida Statute § 586.10 expressly preempts all local regulation of managed honeybee colonies. Every Florida beekeeper - including hobbyists with a single hive - must register their apiary with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) under Fla. Stat. § 586.04.
Fort Myers Beekeeping (Preempted by Florida Statute 586.10)
Few RestrictionsExotic Pets
Captive wildlife in Fort Myers is regulated under Florida Statute Chapter 379 and FWC Rule Chapter 68A. Class I species (large predators - lions, tigers, bears, chimpanzees) are banned as personal pets. Class II species (smaller predators, large primates) require a Class II permit with substantial experience and caging standards. Class III species require either a no-cost permit (most reptiles, parrots) or sales-tracking documentation.
Fort Myers Exotic Pets (FL Class I/II/III Permits)
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Feeding wildlife in Fort Myers is regulated by state law. FWC Rule 68A-25.001 makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to feed wild alligators or crocodiles. FWC Rule 68A-4.001 prohibits feeding pelicans, sandhill cranes, manatees, and placing attractants for black bears, foxes, coyotes, or raccoons. Florida Statute § 379.412 backs the alligator-feeding ban.
Fort Myers Wildlife Feeding (FWC Rule 68A-4.001 & 68A-25.001)
Heavy RestrictionsLivestock
Fort Myers is an urban jurisdiction. Cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, ducks, geese, and turkeys are not authorized in city residential zoning districts. Only backyard hens (no roosters) on Florida-homesteaded single-family parcels are permitted under the City Backyard Hen Program. Larger livestock requires Lee County agricultural zoning, generally only available outside city limits.
Fort Myers Livestock (Urban Residential - Not Allowed)
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Lee County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fort Myers city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Lee County →