Hillsborough County, FL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed rule
- No breed-specific ban; conduct-based only
- Governing law
- F.S. Ch. 767, adopted by Sec. 6-27
- Appeal window
- 7 days to request hearing
- Registration certificate due
- Within 14 days of declaration
- Sterilization required
- Within 30 days
- Confiscation hold
- 10 business days before euthanasia
- Repeat unprovoked attack
- Criminal offense under F.S. Sec. 767.13
Summary
Hillsborough County has no breed-based dog ban. Instead, Code of Ordinances Part A Sec. 6-27 adopts Florida's dangerous dog law, F.S. Chapter 767, in full: any dog that unprovoked bites, attacks, endangers or chases someone in a menacing way can be declared dangerous or vicious by Animal Services regardless of breed, triggering registration, muzzling and confinement duties for the owner.
Sec. 6-27. Vicious animals and dangerous dogs.
(a) Vicious animals. No person shall allow a companion animal, when unprovoked, to bite, attack, endanger, or inflict injury on a human, domestic animal, or livestock while on public or private property; or chase or approach an individual upon the streets, sidewalks, or any public grounds in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack. Violations of this section may constitute proof of "prior knowledge of a dog's dangerous propensities" under F.S. Sec. 767.13(2), as may be amended.
(b) Dangerous dogs. The provisions of F.S. Ch. 767, as may be amended, pertaining to dangerous dogs are adopted in their entirety as a part of this article. All procedures, regulations, requirements, and restrictions pertaining to dangerous dogs are applicable under this article, and a violation of the statute shall constitute a violation of this article. Each day the owner of a dangerous dog fails to comply with the requirements of this section or the requirements of F.S. Sec. 767.12, as may be amended, shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.
Full Breakdown
Section 6-27 of the Hillsborough County Code of Ordinances, Part A, splits into two tracks. S. Sec. 13(2). S. Chapter 767, in its entirety as part of the county's own code, meaning every state procedure, requirement and restriction on dangerous dogs is directly enforceable by the county's Department, and each day an owner stays out of compliance is a separate offense. The declaration process, drawn from Sec. 6-27(1), gives an owner seven days from the notice of intent to file a written appeal to a hearing master, who must convene a hearing within 21 days, and no sooner than five.
Once a declaration is upheld, the owner has 14 days to obtain a certificate of registration, and within 30 days must sterilize the dog, complete Department-approved obedience training, provide a current veterinary health certificate, microchip the dog to the owner's address, post required signage at every property entrance, and, whenever the dog leaves its enclosure, keep it muzzled and leashed under a competent handler's control. The Department may confiscate a noncompliant dangerous dog for euthanasia after ten business days' written notice, subject to the owner's right to request a hearing under Sec. 6-44. None of this turns on the dog's breed: classification is based solely on the animal's own conduct.
Violations & Fines
A dog previously declared dangerous that attacks or bites a person or domestic animal without provocation makes the owner guilty of a criminal offense under F.S. Sec. 767.13, incorporated by Sec. 6-27(b). Owners also bear all boarding, investigative and veterinary fees the Department incurs while an appeal is pending, and remain civilly liable for any injury or property damage the dog causes, per Sec. 6-27(1)f.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hillsborough County ban specific dog breeds like pit bulls?
How long does an owner have to appeal a dangerous dog declaration?
What must an owner do once a dog is classified dangerous?
Can Hillsborough County euthanize a dangerous dog?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsborough County
How Hillsborough County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Hillsborough County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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