Miami-Dade County, FL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Pit Bull Ban
- Repealed Oct 1, 2023
- State Preemption
- FL §767.14
- Current Standard
- Behavior-based only
- HOAs
- May still restrict breeds
- Dangerous Dogs
- FL Chapter 767
Summary
Miami-Dade County's 1989 pit bull ban was repealed effective October 1, 2023 by state law. Florida now preempts all breed-specific legislation statewide. All dogs are regulated under behavior-based dangerous dog standards per FL Chapter 767.
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. History. - s. 5, ch. 90-180; s. 5, ch. 2016-16; s. 1, ch. 2023-253.
Full Breakdown
Miami-Dade County enacted a pit bull ban in 1989, the only such ban in Florida. In 2012, residents voted to keep the ban. However, a new state law signed by Governor DeSantis took effect October 1, 2023, eliminating the exemption that grandfathered Miami-Dade's breed ban. Florida Statute Section 767.14 now preempts all breed-specific legislation statewide. Pit bulls and all breeds are legal to own in Miami-Dade County. All dogs are regulated under the behavior-based dangerous dog standards of Florida Chapter 767. Dangerous dog classifications are based on the animal's actions, not its breed. Individual HOAs and CDDs may still impose their own breed restrictions as private entities.
Violations & Fines
No breed-specific penalties exist. Dangerous dog violations are governed by FL Chapter 767 based on behavior. Failure to comply with dangerous dog registration may result in fines and potential animal seizure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pit bulls legal in Miami-Dade County?
Can my HOA ban certain breeds?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami-Dade County
How Miami-Dade County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami-Dade County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.