Martin County, FL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Basis for classification
- Behavior, not breed
- Governing section
- Sec. 9.95, Martin County Code
- Registration deadline
- 14 days after declaration
- Confinement required
- Secure enclosure or muzzle/leash
- Unredeemed impound period
- 60 days before forfeiture
Summary
Martin County has no breed ban: dogs are declared dangerous only for proven biting, attacking, or fighting behavior, regardless of breed.
Dangerous dog means any dog that, according to the records of the appropriate authority: 1.Has aggressively bitten, attacked, or endangered or has inflicted severe injury on a human being on public or private property; 2.Has more than once severely injured or killed a domestic animal while off the owner's property; 3.Is used primarily or in part for the purpose of dog fighting or is a dog trained for dog fighting; or 4.Has, when unprovoked, chased or approached a person...in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 | Land Development Regulations: Supplement 62).
Full Breakdown
County ordinance Sec. 9.95 lets Animal Services investigate and classify any dog as "dangerous" based on documented conduct: a severe bite or attack on a person, killing or repeatedly injuring another animal off-property, use in dog fighting, or unprovoked menacing pursuit of a person. Breed is never a listed criterion. Once declared dangerous, the owner must register the dog annually with the Tax Collector, get a certificate of registration, microchip or tattoo it, sterilize it, post warning signs, and keep it muzzled and leashed outside a secure enclosure.
Violations & Fines
Failure to register, confine, muzzle, or post warning signage on a declared dangerous dog allows Animal Services to impound the dog; unredeemed dogs become county property after 60 days, and a subsequent unprovoked attack by a declared dangerous dog can lead to euthanasia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Martin County ban pit bulls or other breeds?
What must an owner do once a dog is declared dangerous?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Martin County
How Martin County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Martin County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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