Florida Livestock-at-Large Law: Owners Liable for Straying Animals

Florida's statewide livestock law, Chapter 588, requires owners to keep livestock off public roads and off land they do not own. Section 588.13 defines livestock to include equine, bovine, and swine class animals, plus goats, sheep, mules, horses, hogs, cattle, and other grazing animals. Section 588.15 imposes civil liability on any owner who intentionally, willfully, carelessly, or negligently lets livestock run at large or stray onto public roads, for all injury and property damage sustained. Section 588.16 directs the sheriff, county animal control center, or Florida Highway Patrol to take up, confine, and impound straying livestock, which is then held and disposed of under the chapter's procedures.

Under section 588.24, an owner who unlawfully or negligently permits livestock to run at large on public roads commits a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine, in addition to civil damages under section 588.15.