Animal Ordinances in Venice, FL (2026)
6 verified animal ordinances for Venice, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Venice Code Sec. 10-4 prohibits domestic fowl from running at large within the city. The Land Development Code (Ch. 86) restricts the keeping of livestock to agricultural and certain rural-residential zoning districts; backyard chickens are not generally permitted in standard residential districts.
Venice Chickens and Livestock Rules
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Venice Code Ch. 10, Sec. 10-6 requires dogs to remain on the owner's property either fenced or leashed. When off-property, dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet under the control of a person; tethering to stationary objects is prohibited.
Venice Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Venice does not have breed-specific legislation. Florida law (Fla. Stat. 767.14) preempts local breed-based ordinances, so the City regulates dogs by behavior under Ch. 10 - not by breed.
Venice Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Florida preempts local regulation of honey bees under Fla. Stat. 586.10. Beekeepers in Venice must register colonies with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services but cannot be banned by City ordinance.
Venice Beekeeping Rules
Few RestrictionsExotic Pets
Florida classifies wild and exotic animals into three classes under Fla. Stat. 379.3761. Class I species (lions, tigers, bears, gorillas) cannot be kept as personal pets in Venice. Class II and Class III animals require an FWC permit.
Venice Exotic Animal Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Florida law prohibits feeding alligators, bears, raccoons, foxes and other wildlife under Fla. Stat. 372.667 and Fla. Admin. Code 68A-4.001. Venice Code reinforces these prohibitions and bars feeding wildlife in city parks and on beaches.
Venice Wildlife Feeding Prohibitions
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Sarasota County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Venice city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Sarasota County →