Florida Pet Laws

Transporting pets into Florida requires specific vaccinations and properly certified medical tests. To avoid any infractions of state law, you need to make sure you have all proper documents and heath tests completed for the animal you are bringing into the state of Florida.

  1. Dogs

    • For all dogs that are brought into Florida for sale, a state licensed, accredited veterinarian from the dog's originating state must oversee tests, vaccines and anthelmintics required. These items must be given no more than 30 days and no less than 14 days before the dog enters Florida. A dog must have the veterinary certifications accompanying it when it enters Florida. All dogs must receive and be up to date with vaccines against hepatitis, canine parvo, canine distemper, leptospirosis, bordetella, parainfluenza, hookworms, rabies and roundworms.

    Cats

    • All cats for sale that are transported to Florida must also have their tests, vaccines and anthelmintics carried out by a licensed, accredited and state of origin veterinarian. The tests, vaccines and anthelmintics must be made no more than 30 days and no less than 14 days before the cat is brought into Florida. All official certificates and documentations for tests and vaccines must accompany the cat. Cats entering Florida must be vaccinated against rabies, hookworms, panleukopenia, feline viral rhinotracheitis, calici virus and roundworms.

    Documents

    • All dogs and cats require a recent, official certificate of veterinary inspection. The inspecting veterinarian must keep a copy of the official certificate of veterinary inspection for at least one year after the date of examination and the pet seller must keep a copy for at least one year after the date of sale. The certification must show the age, sex, breed, color and health record of the dog or cat, names and addresses where the animal was brought, the seller and buyer, all vaccine details and the inspecting veterinarian and license number.

    Prohibited Actions

    • Dogs or cats that are less than 8 weeks old are not permitted to be transported to Florida for sale. A pet dealer is not allowed to incorrectly report the breed, sex or health of any dog or cat for sale. Anyone who violates pet laws is recognized as committing a misdemeanor of the first degree.

    Birds

    • An Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection or health certificate is required for a pet bird to enter the state. This certificate must be certified by a USDA-accredited and state-licensed veterinarian from the state the bird originated. A few wildlife or exotic types of birds like protected species or raptors may need a special permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as well. If the pet bird can be considered poultry, like a chicken or duck, the bird will need a Pullorum-Typhoid exam in addition to the other restrictions.

    Exotic Pets

    • Florida exotic pet law mandates three extensive classes of wildlife for exotic pets. Class I animals, like snow leopards and tigers, cannot be possessed for personal or private use. Class II animals, such as howler monkeys and ocelots, must have a permit for possession. Animals not listed in either Class I or II are in Class III and do not require a permit. Specifically, American alligators cannot be possessed for personal or private use.