Walking your dog can be a delight or a hassle. It lets you bond with your pooch, encourages exercise for both of you, and lets you enjoy the Florida weather in a very dog-friendly state.
But do you have to keep them on a leash?
It depends on where you live.
What are Florida’s leash laws?
Florida does not have a statewide leash law for most dogs. It does require dogs to be under the owners’ control at all times, and Florida statutes have some restrictions for dogs labeled as “dangerous dogs.”
Owners are also liable for any injuries their dog inflicts on others people or animals, even if the dog has never been aggressive before and the owner wasn’t negligent. Under Florida Statute 767.04, a dog owner is liable if:
There are more chances for that to happen than you’d think. Florida ranked 8th highest in dog bites against postal workers in 2024.
The liability may be less if the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog, or if it happens on private property where some version of a “Beware of Dog” sign was posted (although that doesn’t apply for victims under the age of six).
However, many cities, counties and other municipalities do have leash laws and you should check your local ordinances to see what’s required where you live or walk your pet. If you are a member of a homeowners’ association, it may also have restrictions while on the property.
You can check your local ordinances here. Look for the sections on animals.
Do you have to keep ‘dangerous dogs’ on a leash in Florida?
Under a new law passed last year, owners of “dangerous dogs” are required to register them, keep them penned or restrained, and carry liability insurance of at least $100,000, am one other restrictions.
The law defines a “dangerous dog” as one that has:
It is also illegal under state law for any dog known to have killed sheep to roam around unattended. Any such dog shall be deemed a run-about dog and may be killed.
“Dangerous dog” laws are not breed-specific and local governments are not allowed to legislate against specific breeds, such as pit bulls.
Why should you keep your dog on a leash?
Aside from local laws and civil liability, there are several reasons to keep your pet on a leash including keeping them from running off if they get distracted and heading into potentially dangerous situations or even getting lost, giving owners more control over them in emergencies, and protecting other people, children or animals.
C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Do you have to keep your dog on a leash in Florida? It depends
Reporting by C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
