Ordinance 2025-44 ORDINANCE NO. 2025 44
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2013-33,
AS AMENDED, THE COLLIER COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL
ORDINANCE; BY AMENDING DEFINITIONS; BY AMENDING
LICENSING REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING THE STANDARDS OF
CARE; BY AMENDING PENALTIES; BY AMENDING THE
DISPOSITION OF IMPOUNDED ANIMALS; PROVIDING FOR
CONFLICT AND SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN
THE CODE OF LAWS AND ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, on May 14, 2013, the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County
("Board") adopted Ordinance No. 2013-33, the Collier County Animal Control Ordinance, which
was further amended by Ordinance Nos. 2018-33 and 2024-26; and
WHEREAS, the Board wishes to update the Ordinance in order to better regulate Hobby
Breeders by strengthening enforcement and permit provisions.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF COLLIER COUNTY FLORIDA, that Ordinance No. 2013-33, as
amended, the Collier County Animal Control Ordinance, as codified in Chapter 14, Article II, of
the Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, is hereby amended as follows;
SECTION ONE: Amendment of Section Three, Definitions, of Ordinance No. 2013-33,
as amended.
SECTION THREE: Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this Ordinance, shall have the
meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where context clearly indicates a different
meaning:
* * * *
Commercial Breeder means any person or business required to hold a business tax receipt
who engages in the sale or breeding of three (3) or more litters of dogs or cats, per a one-year
period or offers one(1) or more domestic cat(s)or dog(s)for breeding or stud purposes,producing
three (3) or more litters per year, excepting service dog organizations that are members of
Assistance Dogs International or the International Guide Dog Federation. Commercial breeders
are subject to agricultural zoning requirements of the Land Development Code.
* * * * * * *
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Domestic animal means any equine or bovine animal, goat, sheep, swine, domestic cat,
dog, poultry, ostrich, emu, rhea, or other domesticated beast or bird.
* * * * * *
Hobby Breeder means any person who intentionally or unintentionally causes or allows the
breeding or studding of one (1) or more domestic cat(s) or dog(s), producing one (1) to two (2)
• litters per household or premises per a one-year period, which results in the selling or otherwise
transferring ownership of offspring; retaining offspring; improving the breed; exhibiting dogs or
cats at shows operated by a national, state, or local recognized organization; or raising service
animals or animals used for law enforcement or other types of work,_excepting service dog
organizations that are members of Assistance Dogs International or the International Guide
Federation.
* * * * * * *
SECTION TWO: Amendment of Section Eight, County Rabies/License certificate; tags,
vaccination required, of Ordinance No. 2013-33, as amended.
SECTION EIGHT: County Rabies/License certificate; tags, vaccination required.
1. Any owner of a dog or cat shall obtain a County rabies/license tag for each such
animal when the animal is four months old or older.
* * * * * *
M. License fees are not required for Police Working Dogs; but such animals
must be licensed and must have received their rabies vaccination. In order to receive these
license tags at no charge,the owner must have the animal licensed through animal services.
Police working dogs vaccinated anywhere else will be liable to pay the surcharge imposed
by the veterinarian only.
N. At time of licensing or renewal, each owner shall be required as part of the
application process to submit a sworn or affirmed statement the dog or cat has not been
used as a sire or dame in the last twelve (12) months.
O. Dogs or cats that are unaltered due to a medical exemption must provide a
letter of exemption from a licensed veterinarian.
* * * * * * *
SECTION THREE: Amendment of Section Fourteen, Standards of Care, of Ordinance
No. 2013-33, as amended.
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SECTION FOURTEEN: Standards of Care.
1. The following provisions are limited to animal- related businesses, animal- related
organizations, commercial breeders, hobby breeders, and rodeos.
2. The County Manager or designee is hereby granted authority to recommend
Standards of Care for animal-related businesses, animal-related organizations, commercial
breeders, hobby breeders, and rodeos for approval by the Board of County Commissioners.
Standards of Care shall be approved by ordinance of the Board and then codified in the Collier
County Administrative Code. As set forth below,a violation of an approved Standards of Care shall
be deemed to be a violation of this Ordinance.
3. The owner or operator of any animal-related business, animal-related organization,
commercial breeders, hobby breeders, or rodeo shall properly feed and care for each animal in
their custody or control and otherwise meet all relevant Standards of Care.
4. The County Manager or designee shall inspect the premises of any animal-related
business and any animal-related organization on an annual basis. The County Manager or designee
shall inspect the premises of any rodeo prior to or within twenty-four (24) hours of the
commencement of that event. The County Manager or designee may will-inspect the premises of
any breeder on a quarterly basis, and shall inspect the premises at a minimum on an annual basis.
Inspections shall occur during normal business hours. Routine inspections of businesses, or
organizations, or breeders located in a premise used primarily as a residence will be noticed a
minimum of twenty-four (24) hours in advance. No duty to notify exists should animal services
receive a complaint alleging a violation of this Ordinance.
5. Refusal to allow the County Manager or designee to inspect any premises, animal,
or records associated with any animal-related business, organization or rodeo, or any breeding
operation, shall constitute a violation of this Ordinance.
6. Should the inspection reveal a violation of this Ordinance or the relevant Standards
of Care, a Notice to Comply wi-II--may be issued. The Notice to Comply shall specify the violation
and shall contain a time period not to exceed 15 days to enable the violator to come into
compliance. The premises shall be re-inspected promptly following the time period specified by
the Notice to Comply. Failure to correct the violation shall result in the issuance of a citation.
7. Every person who owns or operates an animal-related business or animal-related
organization shall obtain a permit from the County Manager or designee. Each applicant shall be
required as part of the application process to submit a sworn or affirmed statement that they are in
compliance with all permit requirements and standards, A fee will be charged for the permit.
Permit fees shall be established and revised by resolutions of the Board of County Commissioners,
The County Manager or designee shall issue an animal-related business or organization permit
after receipt of this fee and inspection of the business or organization premises if he determines
that the premises meet all established standards and regulations. The permit shall be displayed
within the licensed premises at a place where it is clearly visible to the public. An animal-related
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business or organization permit is valid for one (1) calendar year and must be renewed annually.
Renewal applications must be made thirty (30) days prior to expiration of the permit. Permits not
renewed thirty (30) days prior to expiration shall be subject to late fees and penalties specified
under this ordinance. Permits are not transferable or refundable.
8. Every person or organization who sponsors or operates a rodeo shall, at least thirty
(30) days prior to the date of the event, make application to the County Manager or designee for a
permit to operate. Each applicant shall be required as part of the application process to submit a
sworn or affirmed statement that they are in compliance with all permit requirements and
standards. The fee for such application and permit shall be established and revised by resolutions
of the Board of County Commissioners. The County Manager or designee shall issue a rodeo
permit after receipt of this fee and inspection of the event premises if he determines that the event
will meet the established Standards of Care. That permit shall be displayed at the event at a place
where it is clearly visible to the public.
9. Commercial and hobby breeders must obtain the applicable breeder permit from
the County Manager or designee. Each applicant shall be required as part of the application process
to submit a sworn or affirmed statement that they are in compliance with all permit requirements
and standards. A fee will be charged for the permit. Permit fees shall be established and revised
by resolutions of the Board of County Commissioners. The County Manager or designee shall
issue the applicable breeder permit after receipt of this fee and inspection of the breeder's premises
if he determines that the breeder meets the established Standards of Care. A breeder permit is valid
for one(1)calendar year and must be renewed annually. Renewal applications must be made thirty
(30) days prior to expiration of the permit. Permits not renewed thirty(30) days prior to expiration
shall be subject to late fees and penalties specified under this ordinance. Permits are not
transferable or refundable. Failure to obtain a permit prior to operating as a breeder shall constitute
a violation of this Ordinance. Breeders of unintentional litters shall be given up to fifteen 015)days
from birth of puppies or kittens to obtain a permit.
10. The County Manager or designee shall have the authority to deny, suspend or
revoke a permit, as issued under this Section if the County Manager or designee determines that
one of the following has occurred:
A. There has been a material misstatement or misrepresentation in the permit
application, or the permit has been transferred in an effort to avoid the requirements of this
Ordinance;
B. The permit holder, applicant, corporation, officer of the corporation has
been cited for at least two (2) violation of any related animal ordinance or statute, within a
five-year period, each resulting in the imposition of a fine or penalty;
C. The permit holder or applicant has outstanding and unsatisfied civil
penalties imposed due to a violation of this Ordinance;
D. The permit holder,applicant,or a member of the household,if a home-based
business, has been convicted of a violation of law involving cruelty to animals as specified
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in the Collier County Animal Abuser Registry Ordinance, Collier County Code of Laws
Section 14, Article V. The permit may also be suspended if charged, but not yet convicted.
E. An animal under the care and responsibility of a permit holder or applicant
has been found to be in need of immediate veterinary care that, if not treated, would result
in suffering, pain, or death;
F. The permit holder or applicant and/or their employees or agents refuse to
allow inspection of the premises;
G. The permit holder or applicant, or a member of the household if a home-
based business, has had a final judgment entered against them based upon a finding of
animal neglect or mistreatment pursuant to Florida Statutes § 828.073 or comparable
statute;
H. The permit holder or applicant knowingly employs or employed an
employee who has been convicted of a violation of law involving cruelty to animals or who
has had a final judgment against him/her based upon a finding of animal neglect or
mistreatment pursuant to Florida Statutes § 828.073 or comparable statute; or
I. Any other violations, as determined by the County Manager or designee.
The County Manager or designee shall notify the permit holder of the denial, suspension,
or revocation of the permit in writing. Any person who has been denied a permit or whose permit
has been revoked or suspended may appeal this action to the special magistrate or in a court of
competent jurisdiction within thirty-calendar days from the date of notice, as otherwise specified
in Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Section 2-2034, Notices.
* * * * * * *
SECTION FOUR: Amendment of Section Fifteen, Penalties, of Ordinance No. 2013-33,
as amended.
SECTION FIFTEEN: Penalties.
1. For any violation or alleged violation of this Ordinance, the County Manager or
designee, deputy sheriff, municipal police officer, or other enforcement officer empowered to
enforce this Ordinance, may issue to the owner of(or to the person in custody of) the animal a
written warning statement or notice to comply.
is
2. All written warnings or notices required by this Ordinance shall be provided to the
alleged violator as set forth in Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Section 2-2034,
Notices. Whenever possible,a violation issued by an animal control officer shall be hand delivered
to-t-he violator (or the violator's representative having custodial responsibilities at the location of
the violation). If the animal control officer is unable to hand deliver the citation,the animal control
division may send a letter by certified mail to the violator.
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is
3. For an initial violation of Section Eight, Section Nine, Section Eleven, Section
Thirteen, Section Fourteen, and Section Sixteen, excluding subsection 9, of this Ordinance, the
County Manager or designee,deputy sheriff,municipal police officer, or other enforcement officer
empowered to enforce this Ordinance, may issue to the owner of(or to the person in custody of)
the animal a Notice to Comply under which the recipient must come into compliance within fifteen
days of receipt. Failure to comply shall result in a citation. If the County Manager or designee has
reason to believe a violation or the condition causing the violation presents a serious threat to
the public health, safety and welfare or if the violation is irreparable or irreversible in nature, the
County Manager or designee shall make a reasonable effort to notify the Violator and may
immediately notify the Special Magistrate and request a hearing. Under such circumstances, the
Officer shall not be required to adhere to the notice and time requirements as set forth above.
4. A violation of this Ordinance is a civil infraction as provided in F.S. § 828.27. For
any violation of this Ordinance, the County Manager or designee, deputy sheriff, municipal police
officer, or other enforcement officer empowered to enforce this Ordinance, may issue a citation to
the violator.
A. A citation issued by an animal control enforcement officer under the
provisions of this section shall be in a form prescribed by the board. Such citation shall
contain all known information required by F.S. § 828.27, including the date and time of
issuance of the citation; name and address of the person in violation; the date of the
violation; description of the animal involved; the section or sections of this Ordinance, or
subsequent amendments, violated; the facts constituting probable cause; name and
authority of the citing enforcement officer; also the procedure for the person to follow in
order to pay the civil penalty, to contest the citation, or to appear before the special
magistrate when a mandatory appearance is required as specified in the citation or when
scheduled by the code enforcement department, in which case there is no option but to
appear before the special magistrate; the applicable civil penalty if the person elects not to
contest the citation and the applicable civil penalty if the person elects to contest the
citation; also a conspicuous statement of the effect of failure to promptly pay the fine or
appear before the special magistrate or in court. Subject to the limitations now or hereafter
specified in F.S. § 828.27, a mandatory special magistrate or court appearance may be
required by the issuing officer. Mandatory appearances before a special magistrate may
also be ordered by the special magistrate as specified in this section, or as otherwise within
the special magistrate's authority.
B. Upon conviction of any civil infraction, the violator shall be punished by a
fine not to exceed$500.00 in the discretion of the court or special magistrate, as applicable.
•
Each day of the violation or noncompliance as to each animal shall be considered as a
separate and distinct offense. In addition, any person convicted under any provisions of
this Ordinance shall pay all costs and expenses involved in the case.
C. Each violator shall be required to pay an administrative surcharge of$5.00,
plus a $2.00 surcharge to pay the costs of the 40-hour minimum standards training course
for animal control enforcement officers for each cited violation.
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D. Each person or entity that commits one or more civil infraction(s) under this
Ordinance, but does not contest the citation, shall pay a fine for each such separate offense
as follows:
(1) First Offense: $250.00
(2) Second Offense: $350.00
(3) Third, or subsequent, Offense: $475.00
If a person fails to pay the civil penalty specified within the time allowed, fails to request
a hearing,or fails to appear before the special magistrate to contest the citation or notice to
appear, the violator shall be deemed to have waived the right to contest the citation or
notice to appear and judgment shall be entered against the person in an amount up to the
maximum civil penalty of$500.00 per violation,but not less than the amount of the penalty
set forth in the schedule for uncontested violations.
(1) Nonaggravated violations. Fines for an uncontested citation for violation of
Subsection (2), below and as defined above,are as follows:
(a) First citation: $100.00 for each first offense.
(b) Second citation: $200.00 for each second offense.
(c) Third (or more) citation: $300.00 for each such offense if a
mandatory appearance is not required by the animal control enforcement
al "trel enf„ceme»Ρt o ffcer nab ed o, the citation,the recommended
fine should be more than $350.00, but not more than $500.00. The amount
of the fine(s) shall be as determined by the special magistrate or other trier
subsequent citation if the violator has not at the time of issuance of the
citation paid all fines and all surcharges for all prior citations.
(2) Aggravated violations. A violation of Section Sixteen, Subsection 9;
be considered an aggravated violation. For each uncontested aggravated violation,
the fines and appearance obligations are as follows:
(a) First citation: $250.00 for each first aggravated violation.
(b) Second citation: $350.00 for each second aggravated violation.
(c) Third (or more) citation(s): A mandatory appearance and a
recommended fine of more than$100.00 but not more than$500.00 for each
such aggravated violation. The amount of such fines shall be determined by
the Special Magistrate or other trier of fact.
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F. The Officer may require a mandatory appearance before the special
magistrate for certain violations of this ordinance resulting in the unprovoked biting,
attacking, or wounding of a domestic animal; violations resulting in the destruction or loss
of personal property; second or subsequent violations of local animal cruelty laws; or
violations resulting in the issuance of a third or subsequent citation to a person.The citation
must clearly inform the person of the mandatory Special Magistrate appearance. A person
who is required to appear does not have the option of paying the fine instead of appearing
before the Special Magistrate.
* * * *
K. The named violator or the county may seek to overturn a final order of the
Special Magistrate by making application to the county court for a trial de novo on the
merits. Such application must be filed within 30 calendar days from the rendition of the
order sought to be overturned. A violator will 'have the right to a de novo proceeding
provided that all administrative remedies have been exhausted. Failure to make such
application within the required time period will render the findings and order of the Special
Magistrate conclusive, binding, and final. All findings of the Special Magistrate will be
evidence at any de novo proceeding held pursuant to this subsection. All dangerous dog
hearings and appeals shall follow the procedures set forth in Section 14-38 of this Code.
* * * * * *
M. If any penalty provision specified by F.S. § 828.E--27 is amended, such
amended penalty provisions shall apply to this Ordinance without further action by the
board of county commissioners.
* * * * * * *
P. Violations of Section Eight, subsections 1(K) and 1(L) and subsection 3,
shall not result in a citation and/or monetary penalty, but may result in the County Manager
or designee Division revoking the veterinarian's authorization to issue County licenses.
Q. The Special Magistrate may refer any violation to the Sheriff's Office,
Police Department, State Attorney's Office, or other law enforcement authority for
criminal charges or inclusion in the Animal Abuse Registry.
5. Penalty Schedule. The f llewing Penalty Sche ule : nt . e f the
• - forth above. Should this chart conflict with the penalty provisions set forth above, the
penalty provisions shall control:
olntion of l Offen;:e x eeond-Offense 1 Officer •
Subsequent D•�etion
Offense 3
Section Eight Notice to Comply, Notice to Comply, Citation: $300.00 No
Requirement to with a$l09-00 with a$200.00
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license and citation issued if citation-issued if
not : pl t-i-n-eemplienee
€e ection-€sight, in 15 days in 15 days
subsection 1(K)
and (L)and
sttlbsection 3.
Section Ten Formal Written Citatien-$200 00 Citation: $300.00 Yes
General Warning
Violations
Section Eleven Aggravated Aggravated Ale
Ma nteto€ with a$250 n0 Citation: $350.00 Citation,with
Keeping citation issued if eery
not in compliance a-ppea+anee:
i-n spccified-time $100.00
up to IS days $500.00, as set by
the-speetal
magistrate
Section-Twelve Aggravated Aggravated Aggravated No
Cruelty to Citation: $250.00 Citation: $350.00 Citation, with
Animal(s) mandatory
appearanee,
$100.00
$500.00, as set by
magistrate
Section Thirteen Netiee-te-Comply Citation: $200.00 Citation-:-$300.00 Yes
Dangerous Dog with-a-$400.00
citation issued if
net-in-earn pl ia+tee
in 15 days
Citation: $200.00 Citation:-$300.00 A}��-i€violation
Stendetds-of-Gate with-a$1.88,00 eenstitutes-eruelty
citation issued if
not-in-eein-piittnee
upon to inspection
Sections Nino Notice to Comply Citation: $200.00 Citation: $300.08 No
with- $-f-00-00
Section Sixteen citation-issued if
ampetu ied net-i+n-eenmpl ianee
Animals in 15 days
Atiy-item-Ret Citation-$100.00 Citation: $200.00 Citation: $300.00 Yes
speared-above
* * * * *
SECTION FIVE: Amendment of Section Sixteen, Disposition of Impounded Animals, of
Ordinance No. 2013-33, as amended.
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SECTION SIXTEEN: Disposition of Impounded Animals.
1. Impounded animals with identification not suspected of having an infectious or
contagious disease shall be held for a minimum of five three full days (-1-2.0-72 hours) to provide
time for the animal's owner to notify staff of intent to recover the animal. Upon the owner's
acknowledgement of an impounded animal, the animal will be held for a minimum of five full
days (120 hours) from the date of impoundment, after which time the animal shall be considered
abandoned and shall become the property of the Division, Cat(s), kitten(s), puppy(ies), and aAll
animal(s)other than dogs), cats with identification,or livestock, for which an owner has not been
identified or deemed to have an owner by an identification tag or other identification, shall
immediately be considered abandoned and shall become the property of the Division. The Division
may, at its discretion, place such animal(s) for adoption,place in foster care,transfer the animal(s)
to another shelter,transfer the animal(s) to rescue or make disposition pursuant to law at the time,
but shall not euthanize these animals for a minimum of five full days (120 hours).
2. If an impounded animal is suffering from or suspected to have an infectious or
contagious disease, or is injured or debilitated to such an extent that it is experiencing pain or
suffering as determined by a veterinarian or competent designee(s), or the animal poses an
immediate substantial risk to staff or visitors to the shelter, the animal may be euthanized prior to
the expiration of the five three day (4 0-72 hour) hold.
3, Impoundment of cattle require legal notifications as specified in F.S. § 588.17.
4, The County Manager or designee shall make at least three attempts to contact the
owner of an impounded animal, if the owner's identity is known or easily ascertained, before the
animal's humane disposition. Dogs, identified cats, and other animals not claimed within the
specified hold period, may be adopted, transferred, or may be euthanized by any method specified
in F.S. § 828.058.
5. Animals that are impounded for safe keeping at the request of a first-responding
agency due to the death or medical emergency or incarceration of its owner or caretaker, shall be
held for a minimum of five days (120 hours). After five days (120 hours) the Division will hold
the animals for an additional five days(120 hours) and the County Manager or designee shall make
at least three attempts to contact the owner during this time. Animals not claimed after this ten-
day (240-hour) period, may be adopted, transferred, placed with a qualified foster, or may be
euthanized, at the discretion of the County Manager or designee.
* * * * * *
SECTION SIX: CONFLICT AND SEVERABILITY,
In the event this Ordinance conflicts with any other ordinance of Collier County or other
applicable law, the more restrictive shall apply. If any phrase or portion of the Ordinance is held
invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a
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separate, distinct and independent provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the
remaining portion.
SECTION SEVEN: INCLUSION IN THE CODE OF LAWS AND ORDINANCES.
The provisions of this Ordinance shall become and be made a part of the Code of Laws and
Ordinances of Collier County, Florida. The sections of the Ordinances may be renumbered or
relettered to accomplish such, and the word "ordinance" may be changed to "section," "article," or
any other appropriate word.
SECTION EIGHT: EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Ordinance shall be effective upon filing with the Department of State.
PASSED AND DU,L,Y ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier
County, Florida, this 2,3' day of Se 1 e, , 2025.
ATTES; ^ '•••. (7e, BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
CiystaI k. Kinzel, (ilerleof Courts COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
I3
. ., I. putt' Clerk yurt L,. aun i•s, 7400 --
Chair
Attest as to Ch rrt ri's
signature only
Appr• as to form and legality:
47
Sally Ashkar
Assistant County Attorney
_ %°‘
This ordinance filed with the
Secretory of St gfe'ss Office the
J.,._day of �t rA4, .,..
and acknowledgement_of that
film A BiVed _i5 v" day
8y
—el..*
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ii,Tri
4.141"J . F'!
00:ws loot
FL oRI DA DEPARTMENT Of STATE
RON DESANTIS CORD BYRD
Governor Secretary of State
October 2, 2025
Crystal K. Kinzel
Clerk of Court
Collier County
3329 Tamiami Trail E, Suite#401
Naples, FL 34112
Dear Crystal Kinzel,
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 125.66, Florida Statutes,this will acknowledge receipt of your
electronic copy of Collier County Ordinance No. 2025-44, which was filed in this office on October 1,
2025.
Sincerely,
Alexandra Leijon
Administrative Code and Register Director
AL/dp
R. A. Gray Building • 500 South Bronough Street • Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0250
Telephone: (850) 245-6270