In Summary:
The Orange County Board of County Commissioners has strengthened its animal welfare ordinance to provide broader protections for pets and improve shelter operations. The updated code aligns with Florida law, codifies existing programs such as trap-neuter-return, and introduces new requirements, including mandatory microchipping upon reclaim and sterilization after impound. The revised ordinance took effect February 17, 2026, with some provisions phased in through 2027.
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Orange County has strengthened its animal welfare ordinance to offer stronger protections for vulnerable pets, including tighter rules on pet sales, mandatory microchipping, impounding procedures, and more.
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It’s been more than two decades since this ordinance underwent significant, comprehensive changes,” said Diane Summers, division manager for Orange County Animal Services. “I’m very proud of the work we have accomplished in updating this ordinance.”
Officials say these updates were designed to safeguard the overall well-being of pets throughout the community. The changes modernize Chapter 5, Article II of the Orange County Code of Ordinances by addressing longstanding animal welfare issues, codifying current practices, and aligning with updated Florida law. The new ordinance became effective on February 17, 2026.
Six key points related to the update:
1) The Orange County Code now mirrors Florida State Statute 828.29, which sets the bar with minimum requirements to sell a pet.
In order to sell a pet in Orange County, the following must be met:
- All puppies and kittens must be at least eight weeks of age.
- Every pet sold must be accompanied by an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection that includes the necessary vaccines and diagnostic tests.
- The Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection must be issued within 30 days of the sale date.
Those violating this law can be cited by Animal Services Officers. Citation amounts are $110 for the first offense, $265 for the second offense, and a mandatory court appearance for any subsequent offenses.
2) Microchipped animals are held for longer periods in the shelter to allow for potential family reunification.
Animal Services modified its stray hold policy to be more consistent with neighboring counties and other shelters of comparable size, based on a review of historical data on reclaim rates. Pets without identification (collar and tags and/or microchip) are held for shorter periods than pets with identification. It is recommended that all pet owners microchip their animals and ensure their information is registered and current. A registered microchip is the fastest way to reunite a lost pet with its owner.
3) Trap-neuter-return is the standard for community cat management.
Animal Services has operated a successful trap-neuter-return program for more than a decade. The program has now been codified, and it is recommended that all caretakers of outside cats spay/neuter their animals.
4) Mandatory microchipping on reclaim.
All pets reclaimed from Animal Services are now required to have microchip identification implanted. This service is provided at a cost of $15 and includes lifetime registration of the pet’s information in a national database. This move ensures these pets, if ever lost again, will be quickly reunited with their owners.
5) Updated requirements related to “dangerous dogs.”
The Pam Rock Act, a statewide law effective July 1, mandates strict safety requirements for dogs classified as “dangerous.” This includes mandatory $100,000 liability insurance, secure confinement and additional penalties for owners who do not safely handle these animals. This language was mirrored in the Orange County Code.
6) Mandatory sterilization upon the first impound of select pets, effective February 2027.
To prevent unwanted and unplanned pet litters, spaying/neutering will be required after the first impound of pets found at large, with certain exemptions for medical necessity, dogs of appropriate conformation to be bred (per veterinarian), competition animals, law enforcement dogs, and service animals. Mandatory sterilization will apply to all pets upon second impound.
“We listened to our community, staff members, volunteers, foster parents, rescue partners, and monitored trends in animal welfare all throughout our state to put forth changes that we know will benefit pets in and out of the shelter and improve our community,” added Summers.”
Key Points:
- Pet sales must comply with Florida Statute 828.29, including minimum age and veterinary certification requirements.
- Microchipped animals will be held longer to increase the chances of reunification.
- Trap-neuter-return is now formally codified as the standard for managing community cats.
- All reclaimed pets must be microchipped before release.
- Mandatory sterilization will begin in 2027 for pets impounded after running at large.
