Since Florida is a place that welcomes pets with open arms, relocating there should be a breeze.
In this blog, we will provide you with helpful information and advice on moving to Florida with your animals, whether they are furry, feathery, or scaley. This will make the adjustment easier for everyone.
Relocating with Pets
| Moving Type | Details for Moving with Pets |
|---|---|
| Bringing Pets to Florida from Another State | 1. Get a health certificate from a vet, issued within 30 days before the trip2. Ensure pets have a rabies vaccination over 3 months of age |
Must-Have Documents
If you want to bring your pets to Florida, you’ll need a veterinary certificate that was granted no more than 30 days before to your planned arrival, says the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Schedule your appointment ahead of time to avoid the stress and overwhelm of moving.
A Florida health certificate proves that your pet is physically and mentally capable of traveling.
However, this rule does not apply in all cases:
Exemption from Rabies Vaccination: Vaccination against rabies is not mandatory for pets less than three months. An annual written request for a rabies exemption is required, nevertheless, if your canine or feline friend has persistent health problems. Furthermore, thirty days before to the vaccine’s expiration date, a certified veterinarian must notify Animal Services in writing.
Animals Going to Florida for Sale: Is your intention to sell dogs or cats in Florida? This has its own set of regulations. According to Florida Statutes (Section 828.29), you must adhere to the Pet Law. Pets for sale must be in good health and have the required documentation in order to comply with this regulation. Making ensuring pets are healthy and handled properly is the main focus.
Florida Pet Health Certificate
Make sure that the health certificate has all of the necessary information when you engage with your vet.
The state of Florida needs the following details:
- Your pet should be healthy.
- Free from comuunicable diseases
- Evidence that they have not been in the presence of a rabid animal or originated from a rabies quarantine zone.
- A rabies shot is necessary for pets who are three months old or older.
- The most recent 30 days’ worth of dates
Is a Florida pet license required?
In Florida, it is mandatory to obtain a pet license for both cats and dogs. The authorities will be able to locate your lost pet using this information.
Does displaying proof of rabies vaccination necessitate a different form?
The most official approach to prove that your pet has had a rabies vaccination is with (NASPHV) Form #51; nevertheless, your vet may indicate that the data included in the certificate came from this form.
Can a health certificate that is more than 30 days old be used?
No. Even if you have a certificate from a recent pet purchase, Florida won’t recognize it if it’s more than 30 days old.
More Points to Know
Owners of foreign-born dogs entering Florida must follow rules established by the U.S. CDC and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
The rules are designed to keep diseases like rabies, screwworm, and foot and mouth out entering the country, even if they aren’t exactly commonplace here.
- Globally widespread, rabies affects several regions of the Americas. Countries with a high rabies risk are identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- This species of screwworm is native to the tropics and subtropics, namely the Americas (especially South and Central America) and the Caribbean.
- The foot-and-mouth disease is prevalent in parts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, and it can also be found in Eastern Europe on rare occasions.
To make sure their home country doesn’t have any extra health certification or immunization requirements, owners should contact the USDA here.
Pet Prohibitions
Overturning existing municipal breed prohibitions, House Bill 941 of Florida forbade public housing authorities from imposing breed, weight, or size-based bans beginning October 1, 2023.
Because of a horrific assault on a child in 1989, pit bulls have been illegal in Miami-Dade County. This change will have a disproportionate impact on those residents.
Are Birds Allowed?
Indeed, Florida is a state that is kind to birds.
The welfare of many bird species, particularly those housed in captivity, is the reason why bird ownership in Florida is regulated.
In order to bring a pet into Florida within the past 30 days, you will need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) from a veterinarian in the pet’s home state that is accredited by the USDA.
Birds are exempt from the rabies vaccination because they are not mammals.
To ensure the safety and well-being of the birds, the Florida Administrative Code (Ann. R. 68A-6.01215) establishes detailed regulations for the necessary caging.
Are Reptiles Allowed in Florida?
Indeed, it is a veritable paradise for reptiles. But, keeping some reptiles as pets is illegal in Florida.
Regarding non-native reptiles in Florida, there are certain laws set forth by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). This list of non-native reptiles is part of the Florida Prohibited list as of the year 2021. I have compiled the following list:
- Burmese or Indian python
- Reticulated python
- Green anaconda
- Northern African python
- Southern African python
- Amethystine python
- Scrub python
- Nile monitor
- Green iguana
- Tegus
Some were worried about the effect these species would have on Florida’s ecosystem, therefore the state passed these regulations.
Some Important Contact Information
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – (800) 435-7352
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission – (850) 488-4676
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA) – (844) 820-2234
Summary
As we come to a close, we hope that this guide has provided you with the necessary information to relocate your dogs to Florida. Keep in mind that being well-prepared and familiar with local regulations are the keys to a smooth transition.
Seek out professional real estate guidance that is specific to the requirements of you and your pet if you are intending to relocate. Cheers to fresh starts in Florida, where you and your four-legged friends can enjoy the sunshine and friendly locals every day!
