Animal Ordinances in Sarasota, FL (2026)
5 verified animal ordinances for Sarasota, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
The City of Sarasota authorizes up to 4 hens per single-family housing unit under Chapter 8 (Animals). No roosters are permitted outside agricultural zones. Enclosures must be at least 10 feet from any property line, predator-proof, and rodent-resistant. Owners must complete a chicken-keeping class.
Sarasota Urban Chicken Rules
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
City of Sarasota Code Chapter 8 prohibits animals (except dogs as specifically provided in Sec. 8-26) from running or ranging in streets, public places, or open fields - they must be kept within properly fenced enclosures. Sarasota County Code Sec. 14-41 (applied within the City by interlocal agreement) requires dogs and cats to be leashed on public property.
Sarasota Dog Leash and Running at Large Rules
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Sarasota does not impose breed-specific restrictions on dogs. Florida Statute §767.14 (further limited by HB 941 effective 2023) preempts local breed-specific ordinances. The City regulates dangerous behavior under Ch. 8 and F.S. §767, not breed.
Sarasota Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Beekeeping in Sarasota is governed primarily by Florida state law - F.S. §586 (Honeybee Law) preempts most local regulation of beekeeping. Beekeepers must register annually with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Local zoning can still address hive placement and accessory-use rules.
Sarasota Beekeeping Rules
Few RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Sarasota does not have a citywide wildlife-feeding ban, but Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rules under F.A.C. 68A-4.001 prohibit intentional feeding of alligators, bears, raccoons, foxes, sandhill cranes, and pelicans. F.S. §379.412 makes feeding alligators a misdemeanor; coastal beach/sea-turtle-light rules also apply under FWC.
Sarasota Wildlife Feeding Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Sarasota County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sarasota city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Sarasota County →