Florida does not have a statewide ban on chaining or tethering dogs outside. It is generally legal at the state level to tether a dog, and there are no uniform state restrictions on this practice.
However, animal cruelty laws still apply: dogs must be provided with adequate shelter, food, water, and protection from the elements, and the tether must not cause injury or distress.
Local Ordinances: County and City Laws
Many Florida counties and cities have their own, often much stricter, rules about tethering pets outdoors. Here are some key examples:
Palm Beach County
- Chaining is prohibited unless the dog is under direct supervision or at a show.
- Dogs kept outside must have at least 80 square feet of space and shelter during extreme weather.
- Violations can result in fines between $100 and $500.
Pasco County
- It is unlawful to tether a dog outdoors unless the owner is outside and within visual range of the dog.
- Tethering does not include using a leash to walk a dog.
Miami-Dade County
- Tethering is unlawful unless all of the following are met: the dog is in the owner’s visual range, the owner is outside with the dog, the tether is properly fitted, the dog is not sick or injured, and the dog has access to water, shelter, and dry ground.
- Puppies under six months cannot be tethered, and dogs cannot be tethered during extreme weather.
Lee County
- Chaining or tethering to a stationary object is prohibited except for attended, temporary recreational purposes.
- Only properly fitted collars or harnesses are allowed; chain, choke, or prong collars are banned for tethering.
Escambia County
- Unattended tethering is banned for puppies under six months.
- For older dogs, tethering is allowed only if the dog is in visual range and under specific conditions (length and type of tether, access to water/shelter, not during extreme weather, etc.).
Summary Table: Tethering Laws in Selected Florida Counties
| County/City | Unattended Tethering Allowed? | Key Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide | Yes | Must not constitute cruelty or neglect |
| Palm Beach | No | Only under direct supervision; fines for violations |
| Pasco | No | Owner must be outside and in visual range |
| Miami-Dade | No | Strict conditions; no puppies; not during extreme weather |
| Lee | No | Only temporary, attended; no stationary objects |
| Escambia | No (puppies); Conditional | Strict conditions for adults; no extreme weather; owner must be present |
Bottom Line
- It is not automatically illegal statewide to leave your pet chained outside in Florida, but many counties and cities have ordinances that make unattended tethering illegal or highly restricted.
- Always check your local laws before tethering a pet outdoors.
- Even where legal, you must provide proper shelter, water, and ensure the tether does not cause harm or distress to your pet.
Sources:
- https://dogtime.com/reference/106610-florida-animal-cruelty-law-dog-chain
- https://www.findlaw.com/legalblogs/law-and-life/new-palm-beach-pet-law-no-chaining-animals/
- http://pascocounty.elaws.us/code/coor_ch14_artii_div4_sec14-104
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/miami-dade-county-florida/
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/lee-county-florida/