Animal Ordinances in Hernando County, FL (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Hernando County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Hernando County allows up to four hens in residential districts with an administrative permit: no roosters, ducks, geese, or turkeys. Coops go in the rear yard, 25 feet from a neighbor's home, on lots of at least 10,000 square feet. Livestock needs agricultural zoning.
Hernando County Chickens & Livestock Rules
Some RestrictionsHernando County Code, Appendix A, Art. V, § 4(B)
The number of chickens shall be limited to no more than four (4) birds and no ducks, geese, turkeys, peafowl, male chickens/roosters, or any other poultry or fowl are allowed.
Dog Leash Laws
Hernando County requires every dog off its owner's property to be leashed and under direct control. Section 6-2 defines direct control as immediate, continuous physical restraint. Dogs running at large may be impounded by county Animal Services.
Hernando County Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsHernando County Code § 6-2 (definition of 'direct control')
Immediate and continuous physical control of animal at all times such as by means of a fence, leash, cord or chain of sufficient strength to restrain the animal.
Breed Restrictions
Breed-specific dog bans are prohibited in Florida. Section 767.14 lets local governments regulate dangerous dogs but bars any rule specific to breed, weight, or size. A 2023 amendment ended the last grandfathered ban, so Hernando County cannot outlaw any breed.
Hernando County Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsFla. Stat. § 767.14
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; or developing procedures and criteria for the...
Beekeeping
Beekeeping is lawful throughout Hernando County, and Florida preempts local bans. Section 586.10 gives the state exclusive authority to regulate and permit managed honeybee colonies and their placement. Colonies must be registered and inspected annually by FDACS.
Hernando County Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsFla. Stat. § 586.10
The authority to regulate, inspect, and permit managed honeybee colonies and to adopt rules on the placement and location of registered inspected managed honeybee colonies is preempted to the state through the department and supersedes any related ordinance adopted by a county, municipality, or political subdivision thereof.
Exotic Pets
Florida bars keeping captive wildlife without a state permit. Section 379.3762 makes it unlawful to possess any wildlife, native or not, until the owner holds an FWC permit. FWC sorts animals into Class I, II, and III, and Hernando County cannot authorize them.
Hernando County Exotic & Wild Animal Rules
Heavy RestrictionsFla. Stat. § 379.3762
It is unlawful for any person or persons to possess any wildlife as defined in this act, whether native to Florida or not, until she or he has obtained a permit as provided by this section from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
All Hernando County ordinances
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