Flagler County, FL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 5-67, Flagler County Code
- State law adopted
- F.S. Ch. 767, Pt. II (dangerous dogs)
- Deadline to request a hearing
- 7 days after notice
- Hearing officer timeframe
- 5 to 21 days after referral
- Circuit court appeal deadline
- 30 calendar days
- Scope
- Unincorporated Flagler County only
Summary
Flagler County has no breed ban; Florida law preempts breed-specific ordinances, so a dog is regulated on behavior, not breed. Sec. 5-67 adopts the state's dangerous-dog statute, F.S. Ch. 767, by reference and lays out the county's own investigation, notice, hearing and appeal process for classifying a dog dangerous in unincorporated Flagler County.
(a)The provisions of F.S. pt. II, ch. 767, or their successor, which apply to dangerous dogs, are hereby adopted by this reference. ... (d)An owner who receives notice of an initial determination that sufficient cause exists to classify his/her dog as dangerous may abide by the resulting restrictions or may request a hearing in writing, within seven days of receipt of such notice, to contest (i) the initial determination by animal control that the dog is dangerous, (ii) the penalty imposed due to such classification, or (iii) both the initial determination and the penalty. ... (f)Pursuant to the authority delegated to the county to establish appeal procedures in F.S. § 767.12(4), or its successor, a dog owner may appeal the classification of his/her dog as dangerous, the penalty imposed, or both by filing a petition for writ of certiorari in the circuit court within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of a written final order classifying a dog as dangerous and imposing a penalty.
Full Breakdown
An animal control officer investigates any incident that could involve a dangerous dog and can impose interim confinement or control restrictions while the case is pending; a dog involved in a bite causing severe human injury can be confiscated and quarantined at the owner's expense. 12(5). The owner can accept the restrictions or, within seven days of the notice, request a hearing to contest the classification, the penalty, or both. The county attorney refers a contested case to a hearing officer, who must hold the hearing within five to twenty-one days, applies relaxed evidentiary rules with due-process safeguards, and issues a written recommended order.
0114. As an alternative, the officer can negotiate a voluntary written resolution with remedial measures instead of a formal dangerous-dog finding. Restrictions imposed during the process stay in force pending any hearing or appeal, and if the owner never asks for a hearing the initial determination becomes final and the restrictions become permanent by operation of law.
Violations & Fines
Failing to request a hearing within seven days makes the dangerous-dog classification and its restrictions final automatically. A final board order can be appealed only by filing a petition for writ of certiorari in the circuit court within thirty calendar days; the court does not rehear the facts but reviews only whether due process was followed, the decision rests on competent substantial evidence, and the correct law was applied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Flagler County ban specific dog breeds?
How long do I have to appeal a dangerous-dog finding in Flagler County?
Who decides a contested dangerous-dog case in Flagler County?
Can I appeal the board's dangerous-dog decision to court?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Flagler County
How Flagler County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Flagler County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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