6 rules for unincorporated Okaloosa County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
Okaloosa County makes it unlawful to keep chickens except in zoning districts where the Land Development Code specifically authorizes them. Farm animals such as cattle, horses, goats, and poultry belong in agricultural and rural zones. Florida's Right to Farm Act shields bona fide farms.
Okaloosa County, FL, Code of Ordinances § 5-25(c)
It shall be unlawful and a civil infraction for any person to provide care, shelter, protection, refuge, or food to a chicken or chickens except in those zoning districts where the same are specifically authorized pursuant to the county land development code.
Okaloosa County prohibits any dog or cat from running at large off the owner's premises. Off the property, acceptable restraint is a leash held by a competent person, a secure enclosure, or a carrier. Dogs are banned from public beaches unless a posted sign allows them.
Okaloosa County, FL, Code of Ordinances § 5-25(a)(3)
No dog or cat shall be permitted to run at large off of the premises of its owner or custodian and upon public property, or upon other private property without the permission of the owner or occupant of such private property.
Florida preempts breed-specific dog bans, so Okaloosa County cannot outlaw any breed. Section 767.14 bars local rules specific to breed, weight, or size, and a 2023 amendment ended the last grandfathered ban. The county regulates dangerous dogs by behavior under Chapter 767.
Fla. 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 is lawful across Okaloosa County, and Florida preempts local hive bans. Section 586.10 gives the state exclusive authority to regulate and permit managed honeybee colonies and set placement rules. Every beekeeper must register colonies annually with FDACS and allow state inspection.
Fla. 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.
Okaloosa County restricts ownership of exotic and wild animals. Many species require special permits or are prohibited entirely for public safety.
Okaloosa County restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nuisance conditions.
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