Manatee County Approves Ordinance Limiting Retail Pet Sales, Halts New Pet Store Openings
Manatee County commissioners voted Tuesday to adopt Ordinance 25-33, effectively prohibiting the opening of any new pet stores that sell cats or dogs within the county.
The ordinance was introduced by Sarah Brown, Director of Community and Veterans Services, during the June 3 Board of County Commissioners meeting. The proposal follows a unanimous vote in February instructing staff to draft legislation based on a similar measure adopted in Pinellas County.
Ordinance 25-33 stops short of a full ban on retail pet sales but introduces stricter oversight for existing pet stores and prevents new establishments from opening. The measure was adopted unanimously following extended discussion and strong support during public comments.
Commission Chair George Kruse, who had previously supported a 2021 ordinance banning local retail sales of cats and dogs, initially sought to reinstate that broader prohibition. However, facing a lack of support from fellow commissioners and legal limitations introduced by state law SB 170, Kruse pivoted toward a more limited approach.
SB 170, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2023, restricts local governments’ regulatory authority and increases the legal leverage of businesses challenging local ordinances, including the ability to secure temporary injunctions and recover attorney fees.
Despite initial skepticism, commissioners, including Mike Rahn, who previously led efforts to overturn the 2021 ban, agreed the new ordinance provides a reasonable compromise. Under the adopted policy, current businesses selling dogs or cats are permitted to continue operating, but they will face new regulatory requirements.
As of Tuesday’s vote, at least two pet stores in Manatee County continue to sell puppies or kittens. These stores are grandfathered in under the ordinance but must comply with enhanced oversight moving forward.
Residents are encouraged to adopt or foster animals through the Manatee County Animal Welfare Division, which continues to offer resources for pet lovers and prospective adopters.
