Miami-Dade County addresses animal hoarding through Chapter 5 of the County Code, which limits the number of dogs and cats per household and establishes animal care standards. Hoarding situations involving neglect or cruelty are investigated by Miami-Dade Animal Services.
Chapter 5 of the Miami-Dade County Code limits households to 4 dogs and 4 cats in residential areas unless a special permit is obtained. Exceeding these limits without a permit constitutes a code violation. Animal hoarding cases involving neglect, inadequate food/water, unsanitary conditions, or animal cruelty are investigated by Miami-Dade Animal Services at (305) 884-1101. Multi-agency responses may involve Animal Services, code compliance, and the State Attorney for criminal prosecution under Florida Statute 828.12 (animal cruelty). The county can obtain court orders for seizure of animals in hoarding situations. Repeat offenders may be prohibited from owning animals.
Exceeding animal limits: fines up to $500 per violation. Animal cruelty under FL Statute 828.12: first offense misdemeanor up to $5,000 fine and 1 year jail; aggravated cruelty is a felony up to $10,000 and 5 years. Animal Services can seize animals through court orders. Code Compliance: (786) 315-2800.
Hialeah, FL
Hialeah follows Miami-Dade Code §33-124.1 for commercial-vehicle parking in residential zones: Cat. 1 (taxis/marked vans under 8 ft): max 2 per home; Cat. 2 ...
Hialeah, FL
Hialeah driveways follow county standards: 20 feet minimum for two-way, 14 feet for one-way. Vehicles must not block sidewalks or rights-of-way.
Hialeah, FL
Hialeah allows chain link, concrete block, wood, and aluminum per Section 33-11. All must meet HVHZ wind standards. Concrete block most common in South Florida.
Hialeah, FL
Hialeah requires building permits for retaining walls per the Florida Building Code. Walls over 4 feet in height require engineered plans. All retaining wall...
Hialeah, FL
Fences in Hialeah may be on property lines per Section 33-11. FL §823.11 prohibits spite fences. No shared-cost requirement in Florida.
Hialeah, FL
Hialeah enforces the Florida Building Code Residential Section R314 and NFPA 72 for smoke alarms. Alarms are required in every sleeping room, outside sleepin...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Miami-Dade County.
See how other cities in Miami-Dade County handle animal hoarding.
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