Before you move: the health certificate
Florida requires a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) for dogs and cats entering the state. Under FDACS (Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services) entry requirements (accessed Aug 26, 2026), the certificate must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within 30 days of entry into Florida.
The CVI must include:
- Identification of your pet (species, breed, age, sex, color/markings)
- Current rabies vaccination status with certificate number and expiration date
- A statement that the animal has been examined and is free from signs of communicable disease
- Your name, address, and Florida destination
Dogs must also have been vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days prior to entry (for first-time vaccinations; boosters are effective immediately).
Rabies vaccination: Florida's law
Under Florida Statute §828.30 (accessed Aug 26, 2026), all dogs, cats, and ferrets four months of age and older must be vaccinated against rabies. Florida requires both dogs and cats by state law — not just dogs like some states. The vaccine must be administered by a licensed veterinarian.
Florida's rabies law is enforced aggressively. The state has active wildlife rabies, particularly in raccoons and bats across the central and southern regions. The Florida Department of Health (accessed Aug 26, 2026) tracks rabies cases statewide and coordinates with county animal services on enforcement. Keeping your rabies certificate current isn't optional in Florida — it's enforced.
County pet licensing: mostly dogs
Florida handles pet licensing at the county level. Most counties require dog registration; cat registration varies:
| County | License required for | Registration deadline | Fee range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | Dogs & cats | Within 30 days | $20–$60/yr |
| Broward (Fort Lauderdale) | Dogs & cats | Within 30 days | $20–$50/yr |
| Hillsborough (Tampa) | Dogs & cats | Within 5 days | $10–$35/yr |
| Orange (Orlando) | Dogs & cats | Within 30 days | $20–$50/yr |
| Duval (Jacksonville) | Dogs | Within 30 days | $10–$25/yr |
Most Florida counties require proof of current rabies vaccination to issue a license. Spayed/neutered animals get significantly discounted fees. Note that Hillsborough County has an unusually tight 5-day registration deadline.
Finding a new vet in Florida
Florida's rapid population growth means veterinary practices in metro areas (Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville) are busy. Wait times for new-patient appointments can run 3–6 weeks in high-growth areas. Plan ahead:
- Start searching before you arrive. Online reviews help, but a referral from your current vet carries more weight.
- Verify licenses through the Florida Department of Health license verification portal (accessed Aug 26, 2026).
- Get records early. Request complete medical records from every vet your pet has seen — ideally 3+ weeks before your move.
- Emergency vets: Identify the nearest 24-hour emergency vet clinic before you need one. Florida's reptile and toad toxicity risks (see below) can create time-sensitive emergencies.
Florida-specific considerations
- Year-round heartworm: Florida has the highest heartworm prevalence in the country. Mosquitoes are active 365 days a year. If your pet was on seasonal prevention up north, switch to year-round immediately — and get a heartworm test first if there's been any gap in coverage.
- Bufo toads (cane toads): In South Florida, bufo toads are a genuine danger to dogs. Their skin secretions are toxic and can be fatal within 30 minutes if a dog mouths one. Know the signs (excessive drooling, pawing at mouth, seizures) and know your nearest emergency vet.
- Heat and humidity: Florida's heat index regularly exceeds 105°F in summer. Short-nosed breeds (bulldogs, pugs, boxers) are at elevated risk. Never leave a pet in a car — Florida law specifically addresses this.
- Hurricanes: If you arrive during hurricane season (June–November), have a pet evacuation plan. Many Florida shelters accept pets, but you'll need vaccination records to prove rabies status. Keep copies accessible.
- Wildlife encounters: Alligators (near any freshwater), snakes (water moccasins, coral snakes, rattlesnakes), and coyotes. Don't let pets near retention ponds, canals, or unfenced waterways — alligators are present in virtually every body of freshwater in Florida.
Your Florida move checklist
Last verified: August 26, 2026. County licensing fees and registration timelines change periodically. Always check your county's animal services website for current information.