Chapter 588

Legal Fences and Livestock at Large

588.01 Requirements of general fence.—

All fences or enclosures of land shall be substantially constructed, whether with rails, logs, post and railing, iron, steel, or other material, and not less than 5 feet high; to the extent of 2 feet from the ground there shall not be a space between the material used in the construction of any fence greater than 4 inches; provided, that when any fence or enclosure shall be made with a trench or a ditch, the same shall be 4 feet wide; and in that case the fence shall be 5 feet high from the bottom of the ditch to the top of the fence.

History.—RS 875; s. 1, ch. 5038, 1901; GS 1233; RGS 2364; CGL 3773.
588.011 – Legal fence; requirements.

588.011 Legal fence; requirements.—

(1) Any fence or enclosure at least 3 feet in height made of barbed or other soft wire consisting of not less than three strands of wire stretched securely on posts, trees, or other supports, standing not more than 20 feet apart; or when using battens, up to 60 feet apart for nonelectric and 150 feet apart for electric, if constructed with high tensile wire in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications, shall be considered as a legal fence.(2) Any fence or enclosure made of any other material which meets substantially the minimum requirements or specifications mentioned in subsection (1) shall be considered as a legal fence.(3) Legal fences may include gateways or openings therein provided:(a) That any such gateways shall be equipped with gates which are so constructed as to meet the minimum requirements or specifications of a legal fence; or(b) That any such opening shall be equipped with a cattle or livestock guard at least 6 feet in width extending to each end of the opening.(4) The requirements of s. 588.01, shall constitute and be a legal fence to prevent the intrusion of swine where the running at large of swine is not prohibited by law. History.—ss. 1, 2, 3, 8, ch. 25357, 1949; s. 14, ch. 99-391.
588.09 – Legally enclosed land; fenced and posted.

588.09 Legally enclosed land; fenced and posted.—

(1) Land shall be legally enclosed land, or posted land, when enclosed by a legal fence, and when there shall be placed along the boundary of said land in the manner herein provided posted notices to the public; provided that it shall not be necessary to erect any fence along any portion of the boundaries of the land formed by any ocean, gulf, bay, river, creek, or lake.(2) The fences, enclosures, and the posted notices, when erected, placed, and maintained as herein required shall be notice to the public that the land enclosed thereby is private property upon which unauthorized entry for any purpose is prohibited and shall constitute a warning to unauthorized persons to remain off of or to depart from said land. History.—ss. 4, 6, ch. 25357, 1949.
588.10 – Posted notices; requirement.

588.10 Posted notices; requirement.—

Posted notices to the public as required by s. 588.09 shall be signs upon which there shall appear prominently, in letters of not less than 2 inches in height, the word “posted,” and in addition thereto there shall appear the name of the owner, lessee, or occupant of said land. Said posted notices shall be placed along, on, or close within the boundaries of any legally enclosed or posted land in a manner and in such position as to be clearly noticeable from the outside of the enclosure, and said notices shall be placed not farther than 500 feet apart along, and at each corner, of the boundaries of the land, and also at each gateway or opening of the fence enclosing the same. Said notices shall be placed along all boundaries formed by the waters mentioned herein on trees or posts close to the banks of said waters in position so as they may be noticeable to persons approaching the boundary formed by said waters.

History.—s. 5, ch. 25357, 1949.
588.11 – Owner to maintain fences and notices.

588.11 Owner to maintain fences and notices.—

The owner of legally enclosed land shall maintain in reasonable good condition the fence or enclosure around such land and shall maintain in legible condition any and all posted notices as required by ss. 588.09, 588.10, but a substantial or reasonably effective compliance with the provisions of ss. 588.011, 588.09, 588.10, disregarding minor or inconsequential differences in the size, shape, or condition thereof, shall be sufficient for the purpose of evidencing the legal enclosure of said land.

History.—s. 7, ch. 25357, 1949.
588.12 – Livestock at large; legislative findings.

588.12 Livestock at large; legislative findings.—

There is hereby found and declared a necessity for a statewide livestock law embracing all lands of the state and necessity that its application be uniform throughout the state, except as hereinafter provided.

History.—s. 1, ch. 25236, 1949; s. 30, ch. 99-391.
588.13 – Definitions.

588.13 Definitions.—

In construing ss. 588.12-588.25 the following words, phrases, or terms shall be held to mean:

(1) “Livestock” shall include all animals of the equine, bovine, or swine class, including goats, sheep, mules, horses, hogs, cattle, ostriches, and other grazing animals.(2) “Owner” shall include any person, association, firm, or corporation, natural or artificial, owning or having custody of or in charge of livestock.(3) Livestock “running at large” or “straying” shall mean any livestock found or being on any public land, or land belonging to a person other than the owner of the livestock, without the landowner’s permission, and posing a threat to public safety.(4) “Public roads” as used herein shall mean those roads within the state which are, or may be, maintained by the state, a political subdivision of the state, or a municipality, including the full width of the right-of-way, except those maintained, and expressly exempted from provisions of this chapter, by ordinance of the county or municipality having jurisdiction. History.—s. 2, ch. 25236, 1949; ss. 23, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 77-200; s. 230, ch. 79-400; s. 3, ch. 92-206; s. 31, ch. 99-391.
588.15 – Liability of owner.

588.15 Liability of owner.—

Every owner of livestock who intentionally, willfully, carelessly, or negligently suffers or permits such livestock to run at large upon or stray upon the public roads of this state shall be liable in damages for all injury and property damage sustained by any person by reason thereof.

History.—s. 4, ch. 25236, 1949.
588.16 – Authority to impound livestock running at large or strays.

588.16 Authority to impound livestock running at large or strays.—

It shall be the duty of the sheriff or her or his deputies or designees, or any other law enforcement officer of the county, the county animal control center, or state highway patrol officers, where livestock is found to be running at large or straying, to take up, confine, hold, and impound any such livestock, to be disposed of as hereinafter provided.

History.—s. 5, ch. 25236, 1949; s. 2, ch. 77-200; s. 944, ch. 97-103; s. 33, ch. 99-391.
588.17 – Disposition of impounded livestock.

588.17 Disposition of impounded livestock.—

(1) Upon the impounding of any livestock by the sheriff or his or her deputies or designees, or any other law enforcement officers of the county, the county animal control center, or state highway patrol officers, the sheriff shall forthwith serve written notice upon the owner, advising such owner of the location or place where the livestock is being held and impounded, of the amount due by reason of such impounding, and that unless such livestock be redeemed within 3 days from date thereof that the same shall be offered for sale.(2) In the event the owner of such livestock is unknown or cannot be found, service upon the owner shall be obtained by once publishing a notice in a newspaper of general circulation where the livestock is impounded (Sundays and holidays excluded). If there be no such newspaper then by posting of the notice at the courthouse door and at two other conspicuous places within said county.

Such notice shall be in substantially the following form:

“To Whom It May Concern:

You are hereby notified that the following described livestock (giving full and accurate description of same, including marks and brands) is now impounded at (giving location where livestock is impounded) and the amount due by reason of such impounding is dollars. The above described livestock will, unless redeemed within 3 days from date hereof, be offered for sale at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash.

(Date) (Sheriff)

of County, Florida”

(3) Unless the impounded livestock is redeemed within 3 days from date of notice, the sheriff shall forthwith give notice of sale thereof which shall be held not less than 5 days nor more than 10 days (excluding Sundays and holidays) from the first publication of the notice of sale. Said notice of sale shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the said county (excluding Sundays and holidays) and by posting a copy of such notice at the courthouse door. If there be no such newspaper then by posting such copy at the courthouse door and at two other conspicuous places in said county.

Such notice of sale shall be in substantially the following form:

“ (Name of owner, if known, otherwise ‘To Whom It May Concern’) you are hereby notified that I will offer for sale and sell at public sale to the highest and best bidder for cash the following described livestock (giving full and accurate description of each head of livestock) at o’clock, m. (the hour of sale to be between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Eastern Standard Time) on the day of at the following place (which place shall be where the livestock is impounded or at the place provided by the county commissioners for the taking up and keeping of such livestock) to satisfy a claim in the sum of for fees, expenses for feeding and care and costs hereof.

(Date) (Sheriff)

of County, Florida”

(4) Notwithstanding the requirements of subsections (1)-(3), the sheriff or the county animal control center may offer for adoption or humanely dispose of stray livestock, excluding cattle. If the livestock is to be offered for adoption or humanely disposed of, the sheriff or the county animal control center shall:(a) Provide written notice to the owner, if known, advising the owner of the location where the livestock is impounded and of the amount due by reason of the impounding, and that unless the livestock is redeemed within a timeframe to be established by the sheriff or the county animal control center, which shall be a period of at least 3 business days, the livestock will be offered for adoption or humanely disposed of; or(b) If the owner is unknown or cannot be located, obtain service upon the owner by publishing a notice on the sheriff’s or the county animal control center’s website. If the livestock is not redeemed within a timeframe to be established by the authorized agency, which shall be a period of at least 3 business days, the livestock will be offered for adoption or humanely disposed of. History.—s. 6, ch. 25236, 1949; s. 3, ch. 77-200; s. 945, ch. 97-103; s. 34, ch. 99-391; s. 1, ch. 2015-18.
588.18 – Livestock at large; fees.

588.18 Livestock at large; fees.—

The fees allowed for impounding, serving notice, care and feeding, advertising, and disposing of impounded animals shall be determined by the sheriff or the county animal control center of each county. Damages done by the sheriff or the county animal control center in pursuit or in the capture, handling, or care of the livestock are the sole responsibility of the sheriff or the county animal control center.

History.—s. 7, ch. 25236, 1949; s. 1, ch. 74-54; s. 1, ch. 83-90; s. 35, ch. 99-391; s. 2, ch. 2015-18.
588.19 – Failure to secure purchaser or insufficient funds to defray certain costs.

588.19 Failure to secure purchaser or insufficient funds to defray certain costs.—

If there be no bidder for such livestock at the sale aforesaid, and the sheriff has been unable to locate the owner through the notice procedures described in this chapter, the sheriff shall sell the livestock at the nearest livestock auction yard. The proceeds from the sale shall be used to reimburse the expenses incurred in capturing, maintaining, and selling the livestock and in attempting to locate the owner. Any money remaining after all expenses are paid shall be given to the owner of the livestock, if known. In the alternative, the sheriff may deliver the carcass to a public institution of the county, state, or municipality within said county or to any private charitable institution, in the order herein set forth, according to their needs.

History.—s. 8, ch. 25236, 1949; s. 4, ch. 77-200; s. 946, ch. 97-103; s. 36, ch. 99-391.
588.20 – Report of sale and disposition of proceeds.

588.20 Report of sale and disposition of proceeds.—

(1) The sheriff, upon making a sale or other disposal as herein provided, shall forthwith make a written return thereof to the clerk of the circuit court of such county, with a full and accurate description of the livestock sold or disposed of by her or him, to whom, and the sale price thereof, which report shall be filed by said clerk.(2) At the time of making her or his return the sheriff shall pay over to the clerk of the circuit court the entire proceeds of the sale.(3) The clerk of the circuit court shall pay all costs and fees as allowed in s. 588.18 if there be any balance remaining, such balance shall be paid to the owner of such livestock, provided the owner shall make satisfactory proof of ownership to the board of county commissioners within 90 days from the date the sheriff reports the sale. If proof of ownership, as aforesaid, be not made within the time mentioned, the clerk shall pay such proceeds into the fine and forfeiture fund of said county. The clerk shall keep a permanent record of all sales, disbursements, and distributions made under ss. 588.12-588.25.(4) If the amount realized from the sale or other disposition of the animal is insufficient to pay all fees, costs and expenses as provided in ss. 588.12-588.25, the deficit shall be paid by the county from its fine and forfeiture fund. History.—s. 9, ch. 25236, 1949; s. 947, ch. 97-103.
588.21 – Duty of commissioners to provide places for impounding of livestock and transportation of same.

588.21 Duty of commissioners to provide places for impounding of livestock and transportation of same.—

The county commissioners of the several counties of Florida shall establish and maintain pounds or suitable places for the keeping of any livestock taken up and impounded hereunder until the same shall be sold, redeemed, or otherwise disposed of, which pounds or other suitable places may be a part of or operated in conjunction with a county animal control center. In any case, such county commissioners shall provide truck transportation for the impounded animals.

History.—s. 10, ch. 25236, 1949; s. 5, ch. 77-200.
588.22 – Duty of impounder.

588.22 Duty of impounder.—

The sheriff or county animal control center, whichever is designated by the board of county commissioners, shall provide feed for the impounded animals and see that such livestock shall have feed and water not less than twice a day and that all milk cows and milk goats are milked twice a day. The sheriff or county animal control center shall employ poundmasters, guards, or other persons as may be necessary to protect, feed, care for, and have custody of, the impounded animals and the sheriff or county animal control center shall be entitled to the fees herein allowed for such feed and care.

History.—s. 11, ch. 25236, 1949; s. 6, ch. 77-200.
588.23 – Right of owner.

588.23 Right of owner.—

The owner of any impounded livestock has the right at any time before the disposition thereof to redeem the livestock by paying to the sheriff or the county animal control center all impounding expenses, including fees, keeping charges, advertising, or other costs incurred therewith which sum shall be deposited by the sheriff or the county animal control center with the clerk of the circuit court who shall pay all fees and costs as allowed in s. 588.18. If there is a dispute as to the amount of such costs and expenses, the owner may give bond with sufficient sureties to be approved by the sheriff or the county animal control center, in an amount to be determined by the sheriff or the county animal control center, but not exceeding the fair cash value of such livestock, conditioned to pay such costs and damages; thereafter, within 10 days, the owner shall institute suit in equity to have the damage adjudicated by a court of equity or referred to a jury if requested by either party to such suit.

History.—s. 12, ch. 25236, 1949; s. 3, ch. 2015-18.
588.24 – Penalty.

588.24 Penalty.—

Any owner of livestock who unlawfully, intentionally, knowingly or negligently permits the same to run at large or stray upon the public roads of this state or any person who shall release livestock, after being impounded, without authority of the impounder, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

History.—s. 13, ch. 25236, 1949; s. 612, ch. 71-136.
588.25 – Application; limitation.

588.25 Application; limitation.—

The provisions of ss. 588.12-588.25 shall not apply to counties having special laws or general laws of local application requiring the confinement and restraint of livestock; provided, however, where the provisions of such special laws or general laws of local application do not prohibit livestock from running upon or straying upon the public highways, or the provisions of such special laws or general laws of local application do not provide for liability of owners of livestock for damages and injuries caused by such livestock, or provide less severe penalties than imposed by s. 588.24, the provisions of this act shall apply in each such case as if the provisions hereof were inserted in full in any such special law or general law of local application. Provided, further, that if any such special law or general law of local application is found unconstitutional or in any way inoperative, then this act shall be in full force and effect in the county, or counties, affected.

History.—s. 14, ch. 25236, 1949.

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