Florida's rabies law — the foundation
Before you can license your pet in any Florida county, you need one thing: a current rabies vaccination. Florida law is unambiguous about this.
Under Florida Statute §828.30 (accessed Aug 25, 2026), all dogs, cats, and ferrets four months of age or older must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. The owner must have the animal revaccinated 12 months after the initial vaccination, with subsequent boosters following the vaccine manufacturer's directions (typically every one or three years).
Your veterinarian issues an official Florida rabies vaccination certificate at the time of vaccination — this certificate is the key document for pet licensing throughout the state.
How licensing works county by county
Florida doesn't have a single statewide license. Each county's animal services department runs its own program. The good news: requirements are broadly similar across the state. The differences are mainly in fees and online availability.
Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade requires all dogs and cats four months and older to be licensed. The county offers one-year and three-year licenses, with reduced fees for spayed/neutered pets. Licenses can be purchased online, at the Animal Services shelter, or at participating veterinary clinics. The county also requires microchipping for all dogs and cats (Miami-Dade Animal Services, accessed Aug 25, 2026).
Broward County
Broward County requires dog and cat registration. Fees are approximately $20 (altered) to $40 (unaltered) per year. The county partners with local vet clinics for convenient registration during routine vet visits.
Orange County (Orlando)
Orange County Animal Services requires all dogs and cats to be licensed. The county offers online licensing and accepts the rabies certificate electronically. Fees start at $20 for spayed/neutered pets. Orange County also has a mandatory microchip ordinance.
Hillsborough County (Tampa)
Hillsborough County requires annual pet registration. Fees are $20 (altered) to $50 (unaltered). Registration is available online, by mail, or in person at Pet Resource Center locations. The county offers discounted fees for seniors 65 and older.
What you need to apply
- Current rabies vaccination certificate. Required by FL Statute §828.30 (accessed Aug 25, 2026). Must show vaccination date, expiration date, veterinarian name, and vaccine manufacturer/serial number.
- Proof of spay or neuter. For the reduced license fee. A certificate from your vet or the shelter where your pet was altered.
- Owner identification. Government-issued ID with your current Florida address.
- Microchip number. Required in Miami-Dade and Orange County; recommended statewide.
Fees at a glance
| County | Altered | Unaltered | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | $20/year | $40/year | 3-year option; microchip required |
| Broward | $20/year | $40/year | Available at vet clinics |
| Orange (Orlando) | $20/year | $40/year | Online portal; microchip required |
| Hillsborough (Tampa) | $20/year | $50/year | Senior discount (65+) |
| Palm Beach | $15/year | $30/year | Available at animal care locations |
Step-by-step: how to apply
- Get your pet's rabies vaccination current. If it's expired or your pet hasn't been vaccinated, visit your vet first. Florida law requires vaccination before any license can be issued.
- Find your county's animal services. Search for "[your county] animal services pet license" — most Florida counties have dedicated licensing pages with online forms.
- Gather your documents. Rabies certificate, spay/neuter proof, ID, and microchip number if required.
- Submit and pay. Many counties offer online licensing with credit card payment. Some offer registration at participating vet clinics during your pet's regular visit.
- Receive your tag. Online applicants typically receive the tag by mail within 2–3 weeks. In-person applicants receive it immediately.
Florida-specific things to know
- Snowbirds and part-year residents: If you spend part of the year in Florida, licensing requirements apply if the pet resides in the county. Check your county's residency threshold.
- Health certificate for transport: If you're bringing a pet into Florida for sale or transfer, FL Statute §828.29 (accessed Aug 25, 2026) requires a veterinary health certificate issued 14–30 days before entry, covering distemper, parvo, rabies (if 3+ months old), and deworming.
- Hurricane season documentation: Florida's hurricane season (June–November) makes having portable copies of your pet's records critical. Emergency shelters that accept pets require proof of current rabies vaccination.
Your document checklist
Last verified: August 25, 2026. Fees and requirements vary by county — check your county animal services website for current information. This guide covers general Florida requirements; your county may have additional rules.