Animal Ordinances in Orlando, FL (2026)
12 verified animal ordinances for Orlando, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Orlando allows backyard chickens in single-family residential zones under City Code Ch. 18A, with limits typically of 4 hens per household, no roosters, and coop setbacks of at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from dwellings. Larger livestock such as goats, pigs, cows, and horses are generally prohibited in residential zones except on properly zoned agricultural parcels.
Animals: Chickens Livestock
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Orlando and Orange County require all dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when off the owner's property. Off-leash activity is allowed only in designated dog parks. Owners must clean up after their dogs in public spaces. Violations result in civil citations, and at-large dogs may be impounded by Orange County Animal Services.
Animals: Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Orlando does not impose breed-specific bans on dogs. Florida Statute 767.14, as amended by SB 942 in 2023, prohibits local governments from enacting or enforcing breed-specific bans or restrictions on dogs. All dogs in Orlando are governed by uniform dangerous-dog laws based on individual behavior, not breed, under FS 767.10 to 767.16 and Orange County Animal Services regulations.
Animals: Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsFla. Stat. § 767.14 (Local government dog restrictions)
767.14 Additional local restrictions authorized. - This act does not limit any local government or public housing authority from adopting an ordinance or a policy, respectively, to address the safety and welfare concerns caused by attacks on persons or domestic animals; placing further restrictions or additional requirements on owners of dogs that have bitten or attacked persons or domestic ani...
Beekeeping
Orlando follows Florida state law on beekeeping under Florida Statute 586.10, which preempts local restrictions on honeybee colonies. All beekeepers, including hobbyists, must register annually with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Orlando residents can keep registered managed honeybee hives on residential property as long as they follow state best management practices.
Animals: Beekeeping
Few RestrictionsFla. Stat. ch. 586 (Honeybee Law)
586.01 Short title. 586.02 Definitions. 586.025 Unlawful acts. 586.03 Certification and labeling of Florida-produced honey. 586.045 Certificates of registration and inspection. 586.055 Location of apiaries. 586.10 Powers and duties of department; preemption of local government ordinances. 586.11 Certificate of inspection to accompany interstate shipments; enforcement. 586.112 Stop-sale or stop-...
Exotic Pets
Orlando defers exotic pet regulation primarily to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rules under Chapter 68A-6 of the Florida Administrative Code. The state classifies wildlife into Class I (prohibited as personal pets), Class II (require permit and experience), and Class III (require basic permit). Many reptiles, parrots, ferrets, and small mammals are allowed without state permits but Orlando City Code Ch. 14 still prohibits keeping animals that constitute a public nuisance or health hazard within city limits.
Animals: Exotic Pets
Some RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Florida law strictly prohibits feeding alligators, crocodiles, bears, sandhill cranes, raccoons, and foxes. Under Florida Statute 379.412, intentionally feeding an alligator or crocodile is a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a 500 dollar fine. Orlando has abundant urban water bodies including Lake Eola where wildlife feeding incidents are taken seriously. Feeding waterfowl bread is discouraged as it harms birds and creates sanitation problems at city lakes.
Animals: Wildlife Feeding
Heavy RestrictionsFla. Stat. § 379.412(1)-(2)
The penalties in this section apply to a violation of any rule or order of the commission that prohibits or restricts: 1. 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. A person who violates a pro...
Livestock
Orlando City Code Ch. 14 generally prohibits keeping livestock including cattle, horses, swine, goats, and sheep within most residential zones inside city limits. Backyard chicken-keeping is allowed under the Backyard Chickens program with a city permit, limited number of hens, and no roosters. Properties zoned agricultural or A-1 may keep livestock subject to setback requirements. Most of Orlando is urban or suburban with no livestock allowance.
Animals: Livestock
Heavy RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Orlando City Code Chapter 18 limits the number of dogs and cats per dwelling and treats excess accumulation as cruelty when conditions threaten animal health, prompting Orlando Animal Services investigations citywide.
Orlando Animal Hoarding and Excess Pet Limits
Some RestrictionsPet Limits
Orlando City Code limits the total number of dogs and cats a single household may keep without a commercial kennel permit, with the cap applied per dwelling unit and enforced by Orlando Animal Services.
Orlando Household Pet Number Limits
Some RestrictionsCat Rules
Orlando requires cats four months and older to be vaccinated against rabies and licensed, with Orange County coordinating tags and reduced fees for spayed or neutered animals registered through Orlando Animal Services.
Orlando Cat Licensing and Outdoor Rules
Some RestrictionsMandatory Spay/Neuter
Orlando does not impose blanket mandatory spay-neuter, but Chapter 18 charges substantially higher license fees for intact dogs and cats and requires sterilization for animals adopted from city-affiliated shelters.
Orlando Spay-Neuter Incentives and Rules
Few RestrictionsMicrochipping
Orlando requires impounded dogs and cats to be microchipped before release, and Orange County recommends chipping all licensed pets so Orlando Animal Services can return found animals quickly to owners citywide.
Orlando Pet Microchip and ID Requirements
Some RestrictionsLooking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Orlando city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Orange County →