Coral Gables, FL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- Sec. 10-67, 10-68
- Permit required
- Annual license from finance department
- Leash/muzzle rule
- Secure leash and muzzle required always
- Covered breeds
- Am. Staffordshire, Staffordshire Bull, Pit Bull Terrier
- Permit period
- Runs Oct 1 through Sept 30
Summary
Coral Gables requires owners of pit bulls and related breeds to obtain an annual license from the finance department, keep the dog on a secure leash, and muzzle it in public at all times.
All persons keeping, caring for, harboring or having in their possession or under their control or being the owner or having any interest in any pit bull dog shall obtain from the licensing division of the finance department a permit or license so as to keep, care for, harbor or have in their possession or under their control any such animal, excepting veterinary hospitals properly licensed by the city. A pit bull dog shall mean any American Staffordshire, Staffordshire Terrier or Stafford Bull Terrier or American Pit Bull Terrier.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Fee Schedule: Supplement 2 | Zoning Code: Supplement 1 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 25 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Coral Gables defines a pit bull as an American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, or any mixed breed with at least one-eighth of that ancestry. Anyone keeping, harboring, or owning such a dog must get an annual permit from the finance department's licensing division, valid October 1 to September 30, with the dog entered in a registry with its photo. Outside a securely enclosed yard, the dog must stay on a secure leash and muzzled at all times. The city commission can revoke the permit on three days' notice if the dog is found vicious after biting, triggering removal by police and county animal control.
Violations & Fines
Failing to license a pit bull or letting one off-leash and unmuzzled is a Code violation under Sec. 1-7: up to $500 and 60 days in jail, or code enforcement board fines to $1,000 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which breeds count as pit bulls in Coral Gables?
What happens if my pit bull isn't muzzled in public?
Can the city revoke my pit bull's permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Coral Gables
How Coral Gables compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Coral Gables to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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