In Florida, there is no statewide law that specifically prohibits leaving your pet chained or tethered outside. This means that, at the state level, it is generally legal to leave a dog chained outdoors as long as doing so does not constitute animal cruelty or neglect under broader animal welfare statutes. If chaining a dog leads to neglect, injury, or suffering, it could be prosecuted as animal cruelty, which is a misdemeanor of the first degree or, in more serious cases, a felony.
However, many Florida counties and cities have enacted their own local ordinances that are much stricter than state law and often make it illegal to leave a dog chained outside unattended. For example:
Miami-Dade County: It is illegal to tether a dog outdoors unless the owner is physically present and the dog is always within visual range. The tether must meet specific requirements regarding length, material, and safety, and dogs under six months or those that are sick or injured may not be tethered at all.
Lee County: Tethering dogs to stationary objects (like trees, fences, or posts) is only allowed for attended, temporary, recreational purposes with proper equipment.
Leon County: Tethering to a stationary object is only allowed if the owner is outside with the animal and the animal is always visible. 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.
While Florida state law does not specifically prohibit leaving a pet chained outside, many local jurisdictions do. Violating these local ordinances can result in fines or other penalties. Always check your local laws before tethering your pet outdoors.
Sources
[1] https://thewrangler.com/is-it-illegal-to-leave-your-pet-chained-outside-in-florida-heres-what-the-law-says/2025/06/09/
[2] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/miami-dade-county-florida/
[3] https://www.fomapets.org/blog/is-it-illegal-to-chain-your-dog-outside/
[4] https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
[5] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/escambia-county-florida/
