Animal Ordinances in Tallahassee, FL (2026)
6 verified animal ordinances for Tallahassee, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Tallahassee allows backyard hens for non-commercial purposes with no numerical cap, but all chickens must be confined in a securely enclosed pen and kept at least 20 feet from neighboring dwellings. One rooster is permitted per flock for sustainability.
Backyard Hens Allowed; One Rooster Permitted in Tallahassee
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Tallahassee requires dogs to be on a leash or confined at all times when off the owner's property. Leon County animal control regulations mandate rabies vaccination and registration. Dogs running at large may be impounded by Tallahassee Animal Services.
Tallahassee Dog Leash Laws & Off-Leash Rules
Heavy RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Tallahassee does not have breed-specific legislation. Florida Statute §767.14 preempts local governments from enacting breed-specific regulations. Dogs are regulated based on individual behavior under the state's dangerous dog statute.
Tallahassee Dog Breed Restrictions & Dangerous Dog Rules
Few RestrictionsFla. Stat. sec. 767.14 (Additional local restrictions authorized - no breed-specific regulation)
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
Beekeeping is allowed in Tallahassee and regulated primarily at the state level by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Beekeepers must register their hives and comply with state apiary inspection requirements.
Tallahassee Beekeeping & Apiary Regulations
Some RestrictionsFla. Stat. sec. 586.10 (Beekeeping - preemption of local government ordinances)
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-movement notice. 586.13 Removal, destruction, or treatment of infested or infected honeybees or beekeeping equipment. 586.14 Compensation for beekeeping equipment and honeybees contained therein destroyed du...
Exotic Pets
Tallahassee follows Florida's comprehensive exotic animal regulations. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulates exotic pet ownership through a tiered permit system. Many species require Class I, II, or III permits.
Tallahassee Exotic Pet & Wild Animal Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Tallahassee and Leon County prohibit animal hoarding through Ch. 4 animal-welfare provisions requiring adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. Failure to provide humane care for any number of animals constitutes a civil infraction enforced by Tallahassee Animal Services under authority of Florida Statute § 828.27.
Animal Hoarding Prohibited; Humane Care Required for All Animals
Heavy RestrictionsFla. Stat. sec. 828.12 (Cruelty to animals - covers hoarding; deprives of necessary sustenance/shelter)
828.12 Cruelty to animals. - (1) A person who unnecessarily overloads, overdrives, torments, deprives of necessary sustenance or shelter, or unnecessarily mutilates, or kills any animal, or causes the same to be done, or carries in or upon any vehicle, or otherwise, any animal in a cruel or inhumane manner, commits animal cruelty, a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. ...
Looking for Leon County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tallahassee city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Leon County →