Learn about laws that affect pets in Florida.
Florida state law covers a wide variety of issues dealing with pets, including what types of pets people can have, warranties for purchased pets and liability for damage caused by pets. Unlike many other states, Florida does not require owners to keep their dogs on a leash in public parks or other public areas. Each county, park or public area, such as a beach, can elect to enact a local leash ordinance at its discretion. Several beaches in Florida permit dogs with and without leashes.
Exotic Pets
While common pets like dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, rabbits and some fish are freely permitted as pets in Florida, certain exotic pets require a permit. For example, individuals in possession of large or venomous snakes must have a state-issued permit. Other exotic pets, on the other hand, are banned in Florida. For example, as of July 1, 2007, it is illegal to sell and possess red-eared sliders, a type of turtle, unless the owner had possession before the law took effect.
Additionally, baby chickens, ducklings and other fowl under the age of four weeks and rabbits under the age of eight weeks, also may not be sold as pets.
Owner Liability
Under Florida law, if a dog bites a person, whether in a public place such as a park, or private place, such as the owner's home, the owner of the dog is liable for all damage caused. However, any negligence on the part of the person bitten reduces the owner's liability proportionately. Owners are also not liable, except with regard to children under the age of 6, if the owner has a "bad dog" warning sign displayed.
Additionally, if a dog attacks livestock owned by someone else, the owner of the dog is liable for that damage.
Pet Lemon Law
Florida law offers a consumer guarantee for dogs and cats sold in Florida. Under the law, dogs for sale must have the following vaccinations and shots: canine distemper, leptospirosis, bordetella, parainfluenza, hepatitis, canine parvo, roundworms, hookworms and rabies, if the dog is 12 weeks or older. Under Florida law, cats for sale must have the following vaccinations and shots: panleukopenia, feline viral rhinotracheitis, calici virus, hookworms, roundworms and rabies, if the cat is at least 12 weeks old.
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