Animal Ordinances in Tarpon Springs, FL (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Tarpon Springs, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Tarpon Springs Chapter 4 distinguishes farm birds (chickens, ducks, emus) from household pets, and limits livestock keeping to agriculturally zoned parcels with setback and sanitation requirements rather than typical residential lots.
Tarpon Springs Chickens and Livestock Rules
Heavy RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Tarpon Springs Chapter 4 prohibits dogs from running at large on public property, requiring physical restraint by leash, fence, or owner control whenever a dog is off the owner's premises within city limits.
Tarpon Springs Dog Leash and Running-at-Large Rules
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Florida Statute 767.14, as amended by SB 942 effective October 1, 2023, prohibits any local government from regulating dogs based on breed, weight, or size, fully preempting Tarpon Springs from adopting breed-specific restrictions.
Tarpon Springs Breed Restrictions Preempted by Florida
Few RestrictionsFla. Stat. § 767.14 (2024) - Additional local restrictions authorized (dog attacks)
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 animals; o...
Beekeeping
Florida Statute 586.10 preempts beekeeping regulation to the Florida Department of Agriculture, so Tarpon Springs cannot adopt local rules on hive placement; beekeepers must register colonies with FDACS instead.
Tarpon Springs Beekeeping Preempted to Florida State
Few RestrictionsExotic Pets
Tarpon Springs Chapter 4 limits permitted household pets to listed species and treats wild, feral, exotic, or dangerous animals as prohibited, while FWC Class I and II permits remain required under state law.
Tarpon Springs Exotic and Wild Animal Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Tarpon Springs follows Florida law prohibiting the intentional feeding of alligators and certain wildlife, and city nuisance rules discourage feeding ducks or other animals when it creates sanitation, safety, or property concerns.
Tarpon Springs Wildlife Feeding Restrictions
Some RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Tarpon Springs addresses hoarding through Chapter 4 sanitation and number-of-animals provisions, with cruelty and neglect prosecuted under Florida Statutes Chapter 828, and Pinellas County Animal Services investigating complaints.
Tarpon Springs Animal Hoarding and Cruelty Rules
Heavy RestrictionsFla. Stat. § 828.12 (2024) - Cruelty to animals
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. 775.082 or by a fine of not more ...
Looking for Pinellas County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tarpon Springs city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Pinellas County →