Fort Lauderdale, FL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- State preemption
- Fla. Stat. 767.14
- City dangerous-dog code
- Fort Lauderdale Code Sec. 6-33
- Breed-specific ban
- None permitted
Summary
Fort Lauderdale has no breed-specific dog ban. Its only dangerous-dog rule (Sec. 6-33) targets behavior, not breed, and Florida Statute 767.14 prohibits local governments from adopting any regulation specific to breed, weight or size.
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.
Full Breakdown
Fla. Stat. 767.14 preempts breed-specific legislation, allowing local governments to address dangerous dogs only through behavior-based rules that are not specific to breed, weight or size. Consistent with this, Fort Lauderdale Code Sec. 6-33 defines a 'vicious dog' by conduct (any dog known to have bitten a person, or that attacks in a menacing manner) rather than by breed, and requires such dogs to be enclosed or muzzled when off the owner's property. No Fort Lauderdale ordinance bans pit bulls or any other breed.
Violations & Fines
Allowing a vicious dog to run at large or be unenclosed without a muzzle is unlawful under Sec. 6-33; breed-based local bans are barred by Fla. Stat. 767.14.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fort Lauderdale ban pit bulls or other breeds?
How does the city handle dangerous dogs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Lauderdale
How Fort Lauderdale compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Fort Lauderdale to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Broward County handle breed restrictions.