Pigs are surprisingly intelligent animals and keeping them as pets is becoming increasingly popular in many states including Florida. Yes, it is legal to own a pig in Florida but many Florida municipalities regulate the keeping of pigs as pets within city limits. So, whether or not you are allowed to own a pet pig in Florida depends on the county or city in which you live. In the city of Gainesville, Alachua County, FL, for instance, pigs are banned from being kept as pets. In this article, you will find some Florida municipalities that allow pet pigs as well as the type and number of pigs allowed per property.
Jacksonville, FL
In the city of Jacksonville, the seat of Duval County, residents are allowed to keep purebred miniature Vietnamese potbellied pigs as household pets. The potbellied pig must be registered with a purebred registry recognized by Animal Care and Protective Services. Jacksonville allows a total of two potbellied pigs over the age of six weeks per acre.
Furthermore, Jacksonville law requires that all potbellied pigs be spayed or neutered and maintained primarily within the residence of their owner.
Tampa, FL
In Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida, only one Vietnamese potbellied pig is allowed per residence. The city requires that all male pigs four weeks or older be neutered. Pet owners must keep their miniature pig on a leash when outside their property. In January this year, deputies with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office safely returned a lost pet pig to its owner after the animal escaped from its home in the area of Fulmar Drive in Tampa.
Orlando, FL
Pot-bellied pigs are allowed to be kept as pets in the city of Orlando, Orange County, Florida. In 2021, Orlando police officers fed two adorable pet pigs a tasty breakfast treat after they found them oinking their way around a neighborhood all by themselves. The Police Department tweeted that they took the pigs to the Fallin' Pines Critter Rescue in Christmas, a census-designated place in Orange County, Florida, where they are now being cared for.
St. Petersburg, FL
The city of St. Petersburg in Pinellas County, Florida, allows one Vietnamese potbellied pig per household. Vietnamese pig breeding is prohibited in the city of St. Petersburg. The city does not have a size limit for Vietnamese pigs but requires that all male Vietnamese pigs be neutered. Furthermore, pet owners are required to keep their Vietnamese pig on a leash, harness or tether that is six feet in length whenever outside of a structure or fenced area. St. Petersburg law requires that Vietnamese potbellied pig owners have a securely fenced backyard and the fence be at least four feet in height.
Port St. Lucie, FL
People living in the city of Port St. Lucie, St. Lucie County, Florida, are allowed to keep a maximum of five domestic pets, including a maximum of 2 Vietnamese potbellied pigs at one residence. The city requires that all potbellied pigs over the age of 6 months old be licensed and wear a collar that displays the license. You can obtain a license for your altered potbellied pig for $5, or $15 for your unaltered potbellied pig from most Port St Lucie veterinarians. In addition, Port St. Lucie requires proof of current rabies vaccination from a licensed veterinarian.
Cape Coral, FL
In the city of Cape Coral, Lee County, pot-bellied pigs are permitted to be kept as household pets so long as they are maintained in compliance with the law. Cape Coral law requires that all pot-bellied pigs be spayed or neutered, otherwise, they won't be considered domestic animals. In addition, the city requires that pet owners have their male pot-bellied pig's tusks removed.
Other Florida Cities That Allow Pet Pigs
- Lehigh Acres
- Clearwater: 1 Pot-bellied pig
- Davie: 1 Pot-bellied pig
- South Daytona: 2 Pot-bellied pigs
- Kissimmee: 2 Pot-bellied pigs
- Tamarac
- Daytona Beach
- Wesley Chapel
- Pensacola: 1 Pot-bellied pig
- Oviedo
- Navarre
These are just some of the Florida cities in which residents are allowed to keep pigs as pets. If you are considering keeping a pet pig in your city, it is important to check your local animal ordinances or contact your city clerk to find out whether it is allowed. See also Florida Counties and Cities in which you can have backyard chickens.
