Highlands County, FL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed-specific bans
- None; classification is behavior-based only
- Hearing request window
- 7 calendar days after notice
- Hearing timing
- Held 5 to 21 days after request
- Presiding officer
- Highlands County special magistrate
- Registration condition
- Spay/neuter plus RFID microchip required
- Citation
- Highlands County Code §§ 4.5-28, 4.5-29
Summary
Highlands County does not restrict dogs by breed. Instead, under Code section 4.5-28, Animal Control investigates any dog reported as potentially dangerous and, after a hearing before the county's special magistrate, can formally classify it as a dangerous dog, which then triggers registration, confinement and mandatory sterilization requirements for the owner.
(b)After investigating any reported incident involving any dog that may be dangerous, the animal control authority shall make an initial determination as to whether there is sufficient cause to classify the dog as dangerous and shall afford the owner an opportunity for a hearing prior to making a final determination. ... (d)The county's special magistrate shall conduct hearings pursuant to this section using the procedures established by Division 3 of Article VI of Chapter 2 of this Code. ... (g)As a condition precedent to the owner of a dangerous dog obtaining a certificate of registration from animal control mandated by F.S. § 767.12(5)(a), the dangerous dog shall be surgically spayed or neutered and have an RFID microchip implanted prior to leaving the animal control shelter.
Full Breakdown
11 and lays out the county's process. After investigating a reported incident, Highlands County's animal control authority makes an initial sufficient-cause determination and must notify the owner by registered mail, certified hand delivery or formal service; the owner then has seven calendar days to request a hearing, which must be held between five and 21 calendar days after that request. 12. 12(5)(a) requires for a dangerous dog, the dog must first be surgically spayed or neutered and implanted with an RFID microchip at the owner's expense.
5-29 covers what happens if a dog already declared dangerous then bites or attacks without provocation: Animal Control reports the incident to the state attorney and the Highlands County Sheriff, investigates, and if it finds sufficient cause, confiscates the dog, quarantines it if necessary, and impounds it for ten business days after written notice, during which the owner may request a hearing; the dog cannot be destroyed while a hearing or appeal is pending.
Violations & Fines
An owner who fails to comply with a dangerous dog classification faces the registration, confinement, liability-insurance and warning-sign conditions F.S. § 767.12 imposes once the county's special magistrate rules against the dog. If a previously declared dangerous dog attacks or bites a person or domestic animal without provocation, section 4.5-29 lets the county confiscate and impound the dog for ten business days beyond notice or the conclusion of hearings and appeals, after which it is destroyed in a humane manner; the owner is responsible for all boarding costs during that period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Highlands County ban pit bulls or other breeds?
How do I challenge a dangerous dog determination?
What happens if my dog is already classified dangerous and then bites someone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Highlands County
How Highlands County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Highlands County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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