Hernando County, FL Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Hernando County, FL, also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances, define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.
Key Facts
- Covered by noise code
- No; animals exempted
- Enforcement
- Hernando County Animal Services
- State law
- Fla. Stat. §877.03
- Governing law
- Code Sec. 21-136(f)
Summary
Hernando County's Noise Control Ordinance does not cover animal noise. Sec. 21-136(f) defers barking and animal sounds to the Florida Statutes, so complaints run through Hernando County Animal Services rather than the decibel code.
Animal sounds, which shall be regulated as set forth in the Florida Statutes.
Full Breakdown
Animal noise is carved out of the county decibel ordinance. Sec. 21-136(f) exempts animal sounds and states they are regulated under the Florida Statutes, so a barking dog is not measured against the 55/60 dBA limits. Instead, Hernando County Animal Services handles habitual barking as a nuisance, and severe, persistent disturbance can fall under the state breach-of-peace law, Fla. Stat. §877.03. Complainants should log dates, times, and duration, and be prepared to sign a sworn statement. Deed-restricted Spring Hill subdivisions and HOAs frequently add their own pet-noise covenants enforced civilly.
Violations & Fines
Animal Services typically issues a warning first, then a nuisance citation for continued barking. A serious, ongoing disturbance may be charged as a second-degree misdemeanor under Fla. Stat. §877.03.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the noise ordinance cover barking dogs?
What can I do about a neighbor's barking dog?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hernando County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Hernando County to another location·View the Florida noise ordinances overview
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