Coconut Creek, FL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Section 5-6 of the Coconut Creek Code, in Broward County, Florida, regulates dangerous dogs by behavior, not by breed. Subsection (c) makes it unlawful to keep any vicious dog within the city limits and defines a vicious dog as one that has shown a propensity to unwarrantedly and without provocation bite or attack any person or animal.

Subsection (d) sets a two-step process after bites. Under (d)(1), an owner whose dog has bitten or attacked any person or animal on public property, on the common areas of private property maintained by an association, or on property owned by another person cannot remove the dog or let it leave property unless it is muzzled and secured by a leash no greater than three (3) feet in length. After a dog bite report reaches the city, a notice mailed certified, return receipt requested, orders the owner not to take the dog off private property without a muzzle and to keep it on a leash of no more than three feet held securely by a person.

Under (d)(2), keeping a dog that has twice bitten or attacked a person or animal in those places is unlawful. On receipt of a second bite report about the same dog, the code enforcement officer or animal services officer must immediately commence proceedings against the owner, seeking an order from the special magistrate or code enforcement board to have the dog permanently removed from the city limits.

Subsection (e) requires the city to investigate a duly reported bite on public property, association common areas or another person's property. The officer can interview the owner and request a sworn affidavit from any person with information, including an animal care specialist or law enforcement officer. Dogs owned or employed by a law enforcement agency, hunting dogs during a legal hunt or training, and dogs training or exhibiting in legal sports such as obedience trials, conformation shows, field trials, hunting or retrieving trials and herding trials are exempt from subsections (d) and (e). Section 5-3 also adopts Chapter 4 of the Broward County Code to the extent it gives the highest and best standard for animal safety.