Broward County, FL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Florida Senate Bill 942 (signed 2023, effective October 1, 2023) amended FL 767.14 to prohibit local governments from adopting or enforcing breed-specific dog regulations. Previously, several Florida jurisdictions had pit bull bans (notably Miami-Dade County's long-standing pit bull ban, which was nullified by this law). Broward County Code Chapter 4 had no breed-specific ordinance even before the preemption. The FL Dangerous Dog Act (767.10 through 767.16) governs individual dog classification: a dog may be declared dangerous based on documented unprovoked attacks, severe injury, or aggressive acts. Dangerous dogs must be confined, muzzled in public, registered, and carry insurance. Broward County Animal Care investigates dangerous dog complaints. Homeowners associations and private landlords may still enforce breed restrictions through private contracts; 767.14 only preempts governmental action. Renters insurance and homeowners policies often exclude specific breeds (pit bulls, rottweilers, Dobermans), which is private underwriting, not law. FL 767.12 allows criminal charges for dog owners whose animals cause severe injury or death.