Moving to Orlando with Pets: A 2026 Guide for New Residents

Can you move to Orlando with your pet?

Yes. There is no quarantine for dogs or cats arriving from another U.S. state, and there is no pet registration or license required in Orange County, which covers the City of Orlando. What you do need: a current rabies vaccination for any dog, cat, or ferret four months or older under Florida Statutes section 828.30, a safe travel plan that accounts for Florida heat, a housing pet policy that fits your animal, and a veterinarian for year-round heartworm and parasite prevention.

This guide walks through each of those pieces in order, from the paperwork before you leave to the daily routines after you arrive. The laws, fees, and figures below come from public sources with the reporting period stated for each one, and the source is named in the text. Rules, fees, and airline policies change, so treat the numbers as a starting point and verify current details with the official agency, your veterinarian, the property manager, or the GPG Team before you commit. This page is informational and is not legal, veterinary, insurance, or financial advice.

What Florida law requires before you arrive

The single non-negotiable is rabies vaccination. Florida Statutes section 828.30 requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets four months of age or older to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian using a USDA-licensed vaccine. A veterinarian may exempt an animal when vaccination would endanger its health, and the current rabies vaccination certificate serves as proof of compliance. If you are moving from another state, bring that certificate with you; you will need it for airline travel, boarding, and some vets' records anyway.

Beyond rabies, the rules are lighter than many newcomers expect. There is no state pet license, and Orange County Animal Services states that no pet registration or license is required in Orange County and that there is no pet limit. County ordinances do require dogs and cats to display a current rabies vaccination or identification tag, and a cat off the owner's premises must show a current rabies tag (Orange County Code, Chapter 5). If you are moving to Seminole, Osceola, Lake, or Polk County instead, check that county's animal services office, because local rules can differ.

For everyday questions, Orange County Animal Services is at 2769 Conroy Road in Orlando, reachable by calling 311 or (407) 836-3111. It handles animal control for the City of Orlando as well as the unincorporated county.

Getting your pet here: flying, driving, and the paperwork

How you get your pet to Central Florida depends on distance, size, and season. The two big constraints are airline rules and summer heat, and they interact: several airlines stop shipping pets in cargo when ground temperatures are forecast to exceed about 85 degrees Fahrenheit, which is most summer afternoons in Florida.

Flying in-cabin versus cargo

Small dogs and cats that fit in an under-seat carrier can fly in the cabin with you. One-way in-cabin pet fees across major U.S. carriers in 2026 run from about $95 to $150: Southwest $95, Frontier $99, Alaska $100, JetBlue $125, Spirit $125, American $150, United $150, and Delta $150 for tickets bought on or after April 8, 2025, when Delta raised its fee from $125 (airline pet-policy guides, retrieved November 2026). Carriers must fit under the seat in front of you, typically around 17 by 11 by 9.5 inches, and pets generally must be at least eight weeks old.

Cargo is more restricted. Most major carriers refuse to ship pets in cargo when actual or forecast ground temperatures at any airport on the itinerary exceed about 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with a cold-weather floor near 45 degrees. Delta suspends pets as checked baggage from May 15 through September 15 each year, and both Delta and United have ended general-public cargo pet service, limiting it to active military and government moves. American Airlines Cargo still ships pets to the public but only within its 45 to 85 degree band, and it places summer embargoes on the hottest cities. The practical takeaway: if you are flying in the summer with a pet too large for the cabin, cargo may simply not be available, which pushes many movers to drive or to travel in the cooler months.

Driving to Florida with a pet

Driving is the most flexible option for most people, and it is the choice that avoids airline heat embargoes entirely. Plan for rest stops where someone stays with the animal, use a crash-tested crate or a seatbelt harness, and carry water and a travel bowl. Never leave a pet unattended in a parked car, even for a few minutes: the Humane Society reports that on a 72 degree day, the inside of a parked car can reach about 116 degrees within an hour, and the risk is far higher in Florida summer sun. If you are driving to Florida, the new resident driver's license and car registration guide covers the 30-day and 10-day deadlines once you arrive.

Health certificates and interstate rules

There is no federal CDC or USDA requirement for a health certificate when moving a dog or cat between U.S. states, per the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. What you will likely hit instead is the airline rule: carriers typically require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, commonly the USDA APHIS Form 7001, issued by a licensed veterinarian within about 10 days of travel. Some destination states require entry certificates, so confirm with your vet and your airline before the trip. Florida itself does not require an interstate health certificate for entry, but the certificate is still worth having for boarding and records.

If your pet is coming from another country, the rules are stricter. Under the CDC's final dog importation rule, effective August 1, 2024, every dog entering the United States must appear healthy, be at least six months old, be microchipped, and be accompanied by a completed CDC Dog Import Form. Dogs that spent time in a country classified as high risk for dog rabies face additional requirements, including endorsed vaccination forms and, for foreign-vaccinated dogs, a rabies serology titer and entry only through a CDC-registered port of entry. Cats have fewer federal entry requirements, but airlines and Florida law still apply, so check with the airline and your vet well ahead of the move.

Finding a pet-friendly home: rentals, fees, and HOA rules

Pet-friendly housing is common in Greater Orlando, but the costs and rules vary widely by property and by community. This is the part of the move where a little research saves the most money.

What pet fees look like in Orlando rentals

Most Orlando apartment communities charge a one-time, non-refundable pet fee of roughly $200 to $500 per pet, often plus a refundable pet deposit of roughly $200 to $500, and a monthly pet rent of about $25 to $75 per pet (407apartments pet-policy guidance, 2026). For national context, a 2026 survey of 23,533 apartment communities by SafeButler found median values of about $300 for the one-time pet fee, $300 for the pet deposit, and $30 per month in pet rent. Florida sets no statewide cap on pet fees, deposits, or pet rent, so the signed lease is the contract that governs. Pet-friendly listings are easy to find: Apartments.com listed about 11,400 pet-friendly rentals in Orlando as of November 2026.

Pet deposits in Florida are handled under the same rules as security deposits, so the return timing in the renting before buying guide applies: a landlord with no claim must return the deposit within 15 days after the tenancy ends, and a landlord who wants to deduct must mail written notice within 30 days.

HOAs, breed restrictions, and service animals

If you are buying or renting a home inside a homeowners association, the HOA's governing documents control what pets are allowed. Under the Florida Homeowners' Association Act (Chapter 720), Condominium Act (Chapter 718), and Cooperative Act (Chapter 719), an association may restrict or ban pets, specific breeds, weight limits, and the number of animals, and courts generally enforce those rules as written in the declaration. The homeowner's guide explains how HOA and CDD structures work before you sign.

Two important carve-outs. First, a service animal under the Americans with Disabilities Act and an assistance animal under the Fair Housing Act and Florida Statutes section 760.27 are not "pets," so no-pet, breed, size, weight, number, fee, and deposit restrictions cannot be applied to them, and a landlord or HOA may request reasonable documentation for an assistance animal. Second, Florida law bars local governments from regulating dangerous dogs based solely on breed: section 767.14 prohibits breed-specific bans by cities and counties, and Senate Bill 942, effective October 1, 2023, removed the old exemption that had grandfathered pre-1990 local bans. Local governments may still regulate based on an individual dog's behavior, and HOAs remain free to set their own breed rules in their documents.

When you compare communities, ask for the pet addendum and the HOA pet rules before you fall for the house. The Places to Live directory is a good starting point for building that comparison list across the five counties.

Heat, pavement, and the hot car law

Central Florida's climate is the biggest adjustment for most pets. Under NOAA's 1991 to 2020 climate normals for Orlando International Airport, the average annual high is 83.0 degrees Fahrenheit, the average annual low is 62.7, and average annual precipitation is 51.45 inches, with June through August alone averaging about 23 inches. Orlando averages roughly 80 thunderstorm days per year, and in summer the afternoon storm pattern fires on about 60 to 70 percent of days, typically between 2 and 4 p.m., which is why the classic advice is to walk dogs early in the morning and after the rain passes.

Pavement heat is a real hazard. Measured surface temperatures show asphalt in direct sun reaching about 125 degrees when the air is 77 degrees, about 135 degrees at 86 degrees of air, about 143 degrees at 87 degrees, and roughly 150 to 160 degrees when the air tops 95 (veterinary and AKC hot-pavement guidance). At 125 degrees, a dog's paw pads can burn in about 60 seconds, and at 140 degrees, burns can occur in under 5 seconds. The American Kennel Club uses about 85 degrees of air temperature as the general threshold where pavement may already be too hot, and the standard check is the hand test: press the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 to 10 seconds, and if it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for paws. Walk on grass, keep walks short in the heat, and consider booties for midday trips.

Florida also has specific law around pets and parked cars. Under section 828.073, law enforcement officers, certified animal control officers, and county or SPCA agents may lawfully take custody of an animal in distress, which includes an animal left in a hot, locked vehicle, and leaving a pet in conditions that endanger its health can be charged as animal cruelty under section 828.12. Separately, section 768.139 is Florida's Good Samaritan law: a private citizen who breaks into a locked car to rescue a domestic animal is immune from civil liability for vehicle damage if the vehicle is locked, the rescuer has a good-faith belief the animal is in imminent danger, the rescuer calls 911 or law enforcement before entering (or immediately after), uses no more force than necessary, and stays with the animal in a safe place until responders arrive. The immunity covers civil damage only, not criminal charges. The simple rule for pet owners: the animal does not ride in the car while you are not in it.

Heartworm, fleas, and ticks: year-round prevention

Heartworm is a serious and common problem in Florida. A 2021 review in Veterinary Parasitology cites a heartworm prevalence rate of about 28 percent in Florida dogs (Hays et al., 2020), with rates up to 48 percent reported in Gulf Coast regions, and Florida consistently ranks among the states with the highest density of diagnosed cases on American Heartworm Society incidence maps. Central Florida's subtropical climate keeps mosquitoes active essentially year-round, which is why the American Heartworm Society has recommended year-round heartworm prevention nationwide since 2010, and the Companion Animal Parasite Council recommends year-round prevention plus annual antigen testing for all dogs.

In practical terms: put your dog on a monthly heartworm preventive the day you arrive, keep it going every month with no seasonal break, and have an annual heartworm test. Flea and tick control is part of the same routine, because the warm climate supports fleas and ticks through the winter as well. Your new veterinarian will set the schedule; the point is that this is not an optional or seasonal line item in Central Florida.

Finding a veterinarian and emergency care

Establish care before you need it. Ask your current vet for records, including the rabies certificate, vaccine history, and microchip number, and transfer them to your new clinic. For urgent and after-hours care, several 24-hour and emergency practices serve the Greater Orlando area:

• 24/7 Animal Hospital of Orlando, 8742 White Road, Orlando, (407) 298-3807, pet911vet.com.
• Veterinary Emergency Clinic of Central Florida, with locations in Orlando (11011 Lake Underhill Road), Oakland (16369 West Colonial Drive), Casselberry (3352 South U.S. Highway 17-92), and Fruitland Park (913 Village Park Drive), (407) 644-4449, veconline.com.
• Winter Park Veterinary Urgent Care, 1601 Lee Road, Winter Park, (321) 304-3161, wpvet.com.

Call ahead to confirm hours and current services, because emergency clinics change coverage. For human healthcare after your move, the Central Florida healthcare guide covers the region's hospital systems.

Hurricane season: planning for your pet

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and planning for your pet is part of planning for the season. Florida law requires counties that operate designated emergency shelters to designate at least one pet-friendly shelter: section 252.3568 requires a county that maintains designated shelters to also designate a shelter that can accommodate persons with pets, with pets housed in secure enclosures in an area separate from the sheltering public. Service animals are allowed into special needs shelters under section 413.08. Pet-friendly shelters are limited, so know your county's designated location and its rules before a storm threatens.

Build a pet disaster kit with at least 5 to 7 days of food and water, medications, a sturdy leash, collar, and ID tags, a carrier or crate large enough for the animal to stand and turn around, waste bags and sanitation supplies, litter and a litter box for cats, and current vaccination and veterinary records in a waterproof bag. Microchip your pet and keep the contact information current. The site's hurricane preparedness guide walks through the full home preparation routine, and the best time to move guide explains how hurricane season fits into move timing.

Daily life: dog parks and pet-friendly outings

Once you are settled, Orlando has plenty of places to exercise a dog. The City of Orlando operates fenced dog parks including Lake Druid Dog Park at 899 Coy Drive and George Barker Park at 2000 Monte Carlo Trail, both listed on the city's parks directory; hours and rules are on the city site. Pups Pub Sports Bar Dog Park and Doggy Daycare at 317 North Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando combines a dog park with a bar and daycare (pupspubco.com). Check current hours and membership rules before you go, since parks and private venues update their policies.

For the broader routine, the moving checklist covers the first weeks in Florida, and the blog has more researched articles for new residents, including what it costs to rent before buying if you want to test a community with your pet before you purchase.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a health certificate to move my dog or cat to Florida from another state?

Florida does not require an interstate health certificate for entry, and there is no federal CDC or USDA requirement for moving a pet between states. Airlines, however, typically require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued within about 10 days of travel, and some states require entry certificates, so confirm with your vet and your airline before the trip.

Does Florida require pets to be licensed?

There is no statewide pet license. Orange County Animal Services states that no pet registration or license is required in Orange County and there is no pet limit. What is required: a current rabies vaccination for dogs, cats, and ferrets four months or older (section 828.30), and a rabies tag displayed on the animal, including cats off the owner's premises. Other counties in the five-county region may have their own rules, so check the county animal services office where you will live.

How much does it cost to fly with a pet to Orlando?

One-way in-cabin pet fees across major U.S. carriers in 2026 run from about $95 to $150, depending on the airline. Cargo fees vary by weight and route, and most carriers refuse cargo shipments when ground temperatures exceed about 85 degrees, with Delta suspending checked pets from May 15 to September 15. In summer, in-cabin travel or driving are the practical options for most pets.

Can HOAs ban dogs in Florida?

Yes. HOAs can restrict or ban pets, breeds, weight, and the number of animals through their governing documents under Chapters 718, 719, and 720 of the Florida Statutes. Service animals under the ADA and assistance animals under the Fair Housing Act and section 760.27 are not "pets," and those restrictions cannot be applied to them. Florida law also bars local governments from breed-specific bans (section 767.14), but that does not limit what an HOA can write into its own rules.

When is it too hot to walk a dog in Orlando?

About 85 degrees of air temperature is the general threshold where pavement may already be too hot, per the American Kennel Club. Asphalt in direct sun can reach 125 degrees at 77 degrees of air and 135 to 143 degrees at 86 to 87 degrees of air. Use the hand test: press the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 to 10 seconds, and if it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for paws. Walk early in the morning or after afternoon storms, and prefer grass.

Do I need heartworm prevention year-round in Orlando?

Yes. The American Heartworm Society has recommended year-round prevention nationwide since 2010, and the Companion Animal Parasite Council recommends year-round prevention plus annual testing. Florida's year-round mosquito season makes monthly preventives a non-negotiable part of dog care in Central Florida.

What happens to pets during hurricanes?

Florida law requires counties that operate designated shelters to designate at least one pet-friendly shelter (section 252.3568), with pets housed separately from the sheltering public. Pet-friendly shelter space is limited, so know your county's location and rules in advance, and prepare a disaster kit with 5 to 7 days of food, water, medications, and records.

Last updated: November 9, 2026, 14:10 UTC. Published by Moving to Orlando Guide with Tyler Gibson. This article is informational and is not legal, veterinary, insurance, or financial advice; verify current rules, fees, and policies with the official agency, your veterinarian, and your airline.