Florida does not have a statewide law that specifically prohibits the tethering or chaining of dogs outdoors. Tethering or chaining a dog is generally legal at the state level, and there are no statewide restrictions on the practice.
However, Florida’s general animal cruelty statutes still apply: if chaining leads to neglect, injury, or suffering, it could be prosecuted as animal cruelty, which is a misdemeanor of the first degree or, in aggravated cases, a felony.
Local Ordinances:
Many counties and cities in Florida have their own specific ordinances that regulate or restrict the practice of chaining or tethering dogs outdoors. These local laws are often much stricter than state law and can vary significantly:
- Miami-Dade County: It is illegal to chain or tether a dog outdoors unless the owner is physically present and the dog is always within visual range. The tether must meet specific requirements (length, material, swivels, etc.), and dogs under six months or those that are sick or injured may not be tethered at all.
- Lee County: The county prohibits tethering dogs to stationary objects such as trees, fences, or posts. Tethering is only allowed for attended, temporary, recreational purposes with proper equipment.
- Leon County: Tethering to a stationary object is only allowed if the person is outside with the animal and the animal is always visible. Tethering must not endanger the animal’s health, and there are detailed requirements for the type and length of tether, collar, and weather conditions.
- Seminole County: Dogs cannot be chained continuously for more than one hour between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and the owner must be present. Violators can face fines.
Florida Tethering Laws
| Jurisdiction | Is Unattended Chaining Legal? | Key Requirements/Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide | Yes (unless cruelty/neglect) | No specific statewide law; cruelty laws apply |
| Miami-Dade | No | Owner must be present, specific tether rules, age/health restrictions |
| Lee County | No | Only attended, temporary, recreational tethering allowed |
| Leon County | No | Owner must be present, strict equipment and weather rules |
| Seminole County | No (limited) | Max 1 hour (9am-5pm), owner present, fines for violations |
Bottom Line:
In most of Florida, it is not illegal under state law to leave your pet chained outside, but many counties and cities have ordinances that make it illegal to leave a dog chained or tethered outdoors unattended. If you are in a county or city with such an ordinance, you could face fines or other penalties for leaving your pet chained outside without supervision or in violation of local requirements. Always check your local laws to ensure compliance.
Why Local Laws Matter:
Because Florida does not have a uniform statewide anti-tethering law, local ordinances are the primary means of regulating this practice. These ordinances are designed to prevent neglect and ensure the humane treatment of pets, often requiring supervision, proper equipment, and prohibiting tethering in extreme weather or for vulnerable animals.
If in Doubt:
Contact your local animal control or government office to confirm the rules in your area before tethering your pet outside.
Sources
- [1] https://www.leegov.com/animalservices/safety/tethering
- [2] https://www.peta.org/blog/new-florida-law-chain/
- [3] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/miami-dade-county-florida/
- [4] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/leon-county-florida/
- [5] https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
