Orlando, Florida is a dynamic city known for its theme parks, vibrant culture, and growing population of students, families, and retirees. While the city offers endless entertainment and sunny skies, residents also face stress from fast-paced lifestyles, seasonal work patterns, and housing limitations. An emotional support animal (ESA) can provide essential emotional relief while offering legal protections for pet owners navigating housing restrictions.
Pettable is a trusted provider of ESA letters that meet Florida's legal standards. Our fully online ESA letter process connects you with licensed Florida therapists, ensuring your ESA letter is legitimate and compliant—valid for landlords and property managers across Orlando.
Pettable’s 100% online process is fast, secure, and legally compliant:
All letters are issued by Florida-licensed professionals with knowledge of your mental health history, meeting all HUD Fair Housing Act requirements.
In a busy metropolitan area like Orlando, ESAs can support emotional wellness and protect your housing rights. Whether you’re a local professional navigating a high-pressure work environment, a student adjusting to college life, or a family dealing with the emotional toll of big-city living, an ESA can make a meaningful difference.
ESAs are especially valuable for:
- College students and young professionals managing stress and anxiety
- Families supporting children with emotional or learning challenges
- Renters facing high pet fees or no-pet housing policies
- Adults with PTSD, depression, or chronic loneliness
Thanks to Orlando’s year-round sunshine, abundant outdoor spaces, and a growing number of pet-friendly businesses, it’s easier than ever to enjoy the companionship and emotional support of your ESA in everyday life.
ESA Laws in Florida That Affect Orlando Residents
Florida law, supported by the Fair Housing Act and Statute 760.27, provides housing protections for ESA owners:
- Landlords and HOAs must make reasonable accommodations for valid ESA letters.
- Pet rent, deposits, and breed/size restrictions cannot be applied.
- ESA letters must come from a licensed Florida therapist or mental health provider.
- ESAs do not have public access rights like service animals—housing accommodations only.
Additional local ordinances include:
- Licensing and vaccinations required for all dogs and cats in Orange County.
- Leash laws mandate leashed pets in public.
- Noise ordinances limit nuisance barking.
- Can I use my ESA letter in student housing near UCF or Full Sail? Yes. Student apartments and dormitories must comply with Fair Housing Act regulations.
- How quickly can I get an ESA letter through Pettable? Most clients receive theirs within 24–48 hours after consultation.
- Is a special vest required for my ESA? No. ESAs aren’t required to wear ID, though some owners opt for one to reduce confusion.
- Can I bring my ESA to Universal Studios or Disney World? No. Only trained service animals are permitted inside theme parks.
- Can landlords ask for details about my condition? They may verify the legitimacy of your letter, but cannot ask for specific health information.
- Do ESAs have to be dogs or cats? No. While most are dogs or cats, other animals may qualify depending on your needs and housing.
- Will my ESA letter need renewal? Yes. Annual renewal is recommended, especially when submitting documentation to new landlords.
While ESAs don’t have ADA public access rights, Orlando features a growing list of pet-welcoming destinations where ESA owners can enjoy quality time with their animals.
- Lake Eola Park – Iconic lakeside paths with swan boats and skyline views
- Dr. P. Phillips Community Park – Dog park and family-friendly amenities
- Barnett Park – Expansive green space and multi-use trails
- Maxine's On Shine – Award-winning local bistro with patio seating and water bowls for dogs
- Reyes Mezcaleria – Stylish Mexican eatery with a shaded outdoor area for pets
- Se7en Bites – Retro brunch café in the Milk District with a pet-welcoming patio
- Hawkers Asian Street Food – Downtown Asian fusion with an open-air dining area
- The Stubborn Mule – Inventive fare and dog-friendly covered seating in Thornton Park
- Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming – Grooming, treats, and boutique items for your furry companion
- Orlando International Premium Outlets – Pet-friendly shopping in open-air spaces
- Waterford Lakes Town Center – Walkable shopping plaza that welcomes leashed pets
- Pet Supermarket – Supplies and self-serve grooming stations with pet-friendly policies
Understanding the distinction matters:
- Emotional Support Animals (ESAs): Offer mental health support and companionship. No specific training required. Protected only under the Fair Housing Act.
- Service Animals: Specially trained to assist with disabilities and have full public access rights under the ADA.
Intentionally misrepresenting a pet as a service animal in Florida is a punishable offense.