7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Hillsborough County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
Hillsborough County may allow backyard chickens with limits. Roosters typically banned in residential areas. Livestock requires agricultural zoning. FL right-to-farm law protects ag uses.
Hillsborough County requires all dogs off their owners property to be on a leash no longer than 8 feet under Chapter 1-8 (Animal Control). Owners must also carry waste bags and current rabies tags.
Breed-specific legislation is preempted statewide by FL §767.14 (2023 amendment). Hillsborough County cannot ban pit bulls or any other breed. Dangerous-dog classification is behavior-based only.
F.S. 767.14 — Additional local restrictions authorized (dangerous dogs)
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 is protected under FL §586.10 which preempts local bans. Hillsborough County cannot prohibit beekeeping but requires FDACS annual registration.
Exotic pets in Hillsborough County are regulated by FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under FL §379 and Administrative Code 68A-6. Class I wildlife (big cats, bears, primates) is prohibited; Class II and III require FWC permits.
Feeding wildlife (alligators, bears, sandhill cranes, raccoons) is prohibited under FL §379.412 and FWC Rule 68A-4.001. Intentional alligator feeding is a second-degree misdemeanor.
Fla. Stat. § 379.412
2. Attracting or enticing wildlife or freshwater fish with food or garbage; or 3. Allowing the placement of food or garbage in a manner that attracts or entices wildlife or freshwater fish. (b) This section does not apply to rules or orders of the commission relating to: 1. Animals held in captivity; 2. Restricting the taking or hunting of species over bait or intentionally placed or deposited ...
Hillsborough County limits households to 4 dogs and 4 cats combined without a kennel permit under Chapter 1-8. Lots over 1 acre in AR zoning may house more with county approval.
3 cities in Hillsborough County have their own animal ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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Hillsborough County Ordinance Hub →