OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Marion County has passed an ordinance requiring people who own 30 or more personal cats and/or dogs to obtain a special use permit, officially classifying them as “high-volume owners.”

This change was approved during the second of two public hearings on April 8, 2025, when the Marion County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously (5-0) to amend the county’s land development code by adding new language to regulate high-volume pet ownership. The vote took place at the McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium.

The ordinance does not prohibit owning more than 30 animals. However, once you own 30 or more cats and/or dogs as personal pets – not for breeding, boarding, rescue, or other animal-related businesses – you are considered a “high-volume owner” and must obtain a special use permit. This requirement does not apply to breeders, hobby breeders, kennels, boarders, or rescues, which are already regulated separately.

“It carries over the definition of a high-volume owner from an animal ordinance, it’s the moment when you hit 30 or more… that’s when you meet the definition of a kennel for a high-volume owner at 30,” said Dana Olesky, Marion County assistant attorney. “That’s when you will trigger the need for the special use permit for personal use.”

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Commissioner Matt McClain wanted to have an amnesty period included in the amendment, during which the $1,000 fee would be waived until April 30, 2026, for high-volume owners.

“I think leaving that in there protects the legitimate animal organizations and animal businesses,” said McClain.

The amended ordinance includes a new regulation for high-volume owners. However, the amnesty period that was proposed and approved – waiving the $1,000 permit fee – does not apply to breeders, groomers, boarders, or rescues, as these groups are already required to obtain special use permits.

“Education is so huge right now,” said Commissioner Michelle Stone, referring to the misinformation currently circulating in the community about how many animals a person is allowed to have, particularly among individuals who own a large number.

Many of the complaints about high-volume owners who may be out of compliance are self-reported. While there are occasional cases of violations, the amended language is seen as necessary. However, Marion County Chair Kathy Bryant expressed some concern that it could be perceived as government overreach.

“We don’t think there’s that many [high-volume owners] out there. I guess we’ll find out. If there’s a few, I guess we’ll take them in stride,” said Commissioner Carl Zalak III. “If we have an abundance of it, I’m willing to reopen the discussion, but I don’t think there is.” 

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