Pinellas County, FL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed ban
- None (preempted)
- Preemption statute
- Fla. Stat. 767.14
- Local framework
- Sec. 14-64
- Classification
- Behavior-based
- Muzzle/leash
- Required when not confined
Summary
Pinellas County does not impose breed-specific restrictions; Florida Statute 767.14 preempts local breed, weight, and size bans, while Section 14-64 of the county code regulates individually classified dangerous dogs.
767.14  Additional local restrictions authorized. — This act does not limit any local government or public housing authority from adopting an ordinance or a policy, respectively, to address the safety and welfare concerns caused by attacks on persons or domestic animals; placing further restrictions or additional requirements on owners of dogs that have bitten or attacked persons or domestic animals; or developing procedures and criteria for the implementation of this act, provided that no such regulation is specific to breed, weight, or size and that the provisions of this act are not lessened by such additional regulations or requirements.
Full Breakdown
Pinellas County has no breed-specific legislation. Florida Statute 767.14 preempts counties and municipalities from regulating dogs based on breed, and a 2023 amendment (SB 942) extended that preemption to bans based on size or weight. Local authority is limited to dogs individually classified as dangerous through investigation under Florida Statute 767.12. Pinellas County Code Section 14-64 implements that framework: a dangerous dog must be muzzled and kept on a substantial chain or leash by a competent handler whenever it is not securely confined, with notice, hearing, and registration procedures backing the classification.
Violations & Fines
Failing to comply with dangerous-dog confinement, muzzling, or registration triggers escalating county penalties under Chapter 14 and possible state misdemeanor or felony charges under Florida Statute 767.13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pit bulls or other breeds banned in Pinellas County?
What makes a dog dangerous under Pinellas rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pinellas County
How Pinellas County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Pinellas County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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