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.
Homestead, FL
Homestead's zoning code separates industrial and commercial activities from residential areas through buffer zones and setback requirements. Industrial opera...
Homestead, FL
Outdoor music at residences in Homestead must comply with the general noise ordinance. Music audible beyond property lines during quiet hours (11:00 PM–7:00 ...
Homestead, FL
Homestead does not specify numeric decibel limits in its noise ordinance. Instead, the city uses a reasonableness standard based on audibility at the propert...
Homestead, FL
Homestead restricts parking of large commercial vehicles in residential neighborhoods. Vehicles exceeding certain weight or size limits cannot be parked over...
Homestead, FL
Homestead allows installation of home EV charging stations with proper electrical permits. Florida law (FL Statute Section 718.113) protects EV charger insta...
Homestead, FL
Homestead requires vehicles to be parked on paved driveways or designated parking areas. Parking on grass, dirt, or unpaved surfaces is prohibited. Driveways...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Miami-Dade County.
See how other cities in Miami-Dade County handle animal hoarding.
See how Homestead's animal hoarding rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.