Florida Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements

As of April 2026, Florida does not mandate statewide dog breeder licensing. However, those selling dogs as pet dealers must meet certain thresholds under consumer protection laws. According to recent legislation that passed in 2026, pet dealers are defined as those who sell three or more litters per year or 30 or more dogs per year, up from the previous thresholds of two litters or 20 dogs. All dogs and cats sold or transported into Florida must be at least 8 weeks of age according to Florida Statutes Section 585.01(11). The voluntary DAWG Breeder Program was created within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, which recognizes breeders who implement best management practices, but enrollment is not required to sell animals in Florida. Individual counties like Broward, Miami-Dade, and Marion may require local breeder permits, kennel licenses, or hobby breeder permits with separate fees and inspections. Large commercial operations selling dogs across state lines may need USDA licensing under the Animal Welfare Act if they maintain more than four breeding females and sell at wholesale.

Since Florida does not currently require statewide dog breeder licensing, there is no state application process for breeders as of April 2026. Breeders who wish to participate in the voluntary DAWG Breeder Program can apply through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, though specific application procedures are still being developed. The DBPR is posting best management practices and information related to breeder selection on its website. Breeders who qualify as pet dealers under the three-litter or 30-dog threshold should check with FDACS regarding any registration requirements. For county-level permits, breeders must contact their local animal services department. For example, Marion County requires a Kennel License Application with a $100 nonrefundable application fee and proof of rabies vaccines. Anyone selling dogs must provide a veterinary inspection certificate listing the dog's health history, vaccinations, and deworming records under Florida Statutes Section 828.29. Breeders operating at a commercial scale should also check with USDA APHIS to determine if federal licensing is required at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/awa/apply.

There are no statewide dog breeder licensing fees in Florida as of April 2026 because mandatory licensing does not exist. The voluntary DAWG Breeder Program administered by DBPR may involve inspection costs that participants must pay, though specific fee amounts have not been finalized. At the county level, fees vary significantly. Marion County charges a $100 nonrefundable kennel license application fee, plus inspection fees ranging from $45 to $180 depending on the number of animals kept, with semi-annual inspections required at the same cost and $50 re-inspection fees. Some counties may charge annual renewal fees for kennel permits or hobby breeder licenses. USDA licensing for commercial breeders costs approximately $10 to $750 annually depending on the size and type of operation.

Florida does not mandate statewide breeder inspections as of April 2026. Breeders participating in the voluntary DAWG Breeder Program must submit to inspection by DBPR and pay the costs for such inspections. The department is authorized to contract with Florida-licensed veterinarians who have been in good standing for at least 10 years, or with local government entities and enforcement authorities that regularly conduct animal welfare investigations. Counties that require kennel permits typically mandate facility inspections before issuing permits and may require semi-annual or annual follow-up inspections. Marion County, for example, requires semi-annual inspections at costs of $45 to $180. Inspectors generally check for clean housing, adequate food and water access, proper sanitation, appropriate cage spacing, shelter from extreme weather, and compliance with zoning rules. USDA-licensed facilities are subject to unannounced inspections by APHIS inspectors who evaluate compliance with Animal Welfare Act standards.

Florida does not have statewide record-keeping requirements specific to dog breeders as of April 2026. However, all persons selling dogs must maintain veterinary inspection certificates that document each animal's health history, vaccinations, and deworming treatments as required by Florida Statutes Section 828.29. These health certificates must be provided to buyers at the time of sale. Breeders enrolled in the voluntary DAWG Breeder Program may be required to maintain records of best management practices, breeding frequency, veterinary care, and sanitation protocols, though specific requirements are still being developed. County kennel permit holders must typically keep records of all animals on the premises, including rabies vaccination certificates and county licenses for each animal. USDA-licensed breeders must maintain detailed records of animal acquisitions, dispositions, veterinary care, and daily husbandry activities for at least one year, with some records required to be kept for three years.

Florida does not currently have penalties specific to unlicensed dog breeding because statewide licensing is not required as of April 2026. However, violations of existing animal welfare laws carry significant penalties. Anyone who confines dogs in cruel or inhumane conditions may face animal cruelty charges under Florida law. Governor DeSantis announced in November 2025 that his administration is pursuing legislation to tighten penalties for animal abuse, including creating a statewide database of convicted animal abusers that shelters can check before allowing adoptions, and imposing sentencing enhancements for those who abuse or kill dogs. Pet dealers who sell animals without proper health certificates or who violate consumer protection laws may face civil penalties and enforcement action from FDACS. Counties with local kennel licensing requirements may impose fines, suspend permits, or pursue legal action against unlicensed operations. Operating without required USDA licensing can result in federal fines, cease and desist orders, and civil penalties up to $11,000 per violation.