Animal Ordinances in Winter Haven, FL (2026)
3 verified animal ordinances for Winter Haven, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Winter Haven Code Sec. 5-10 prohibits keeping, harboring, boarding, or maintaining horses, cattle, hogs, fowl, or other livestock within the city limits. Backyard chickens are not allowed in Winter Haven as of 2026, though residents have petitioned for change.
Winter Haven Backyard Chickens and Livestock Ban
Heavy RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Sec. 4-26(a) of the Winter Haven Code requires that all dogs be kept under restraint within city limits. Sec. 4-26(c) requires that vicious animals be confined within a building or secure enclosure and securely muzzled or caged whenever off the owner's premises.
Winter Haven Dog Restraint and Leash Rules
Some RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Florida Statute §379.412 makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to feed alligators or crocodiles - critical in Winter Haven, whose Chain of Lakes contains established American alligator populations. Winter Haven Parks & Recreation also prohibits feeding wildlife in city parks.
Winter Haven Wildlife and Alligator Feeding Rules
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Polk County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Winter Haven city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Polk County →