Hollywood, FL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 92.18, Dangerous Dogs
- Basis for declaration
- Documented behavior, not breed
- Who can declare
- Animal control or police officer
- Hearing request window
- 5 business days after notice
- Leash length outside enclosure
- 4 feet maximum
- Permit deadline
- 3 business days after declaration
- General penalty
- Up to $250 fine or 30 days
Summary
Hollywood does not single out any breed. Code of Ordinances § 92.18 instead lets an animal control officer or law enforcement officer declare an individual dog dangerous based on documented aggressive behavior, a bite, an attack, or use in dog fighting, then imposes registration, confinement, muzzling and insurance requirements on that specific dog and its owner.
DANGEROUS DOG. Any dog that, because of its aggressive nature, training or characteristic behavior, presents a risk of serious physical harm or death to human beings, or would constitute a danger to human life, physical well-being, or property if not kept under the direct control of the owner or custodian. This definition shall not apply to dogs utilized by law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties. ... (C) Procedure for declaring a dog dangerous. An animal control officer or law enforcement officer, may declare that a dog be classified as dangerous as defined in subsection (B) above, based upon his own personal observation, or based upon a sworn, written complaint on a form approved by the Director of the Office of Code Enforcement.
Full Breakdown
18(B), a dog qualifies as dangerous if it has aggressively bitten, attacked or inflicted severe injury on a person, chased someone in a menacing fashion, killed or severely injured a domestic animal more than once off its owner's property, or has been used for dog fighting. 18(C) from personal observation or a sworn written complaint filed with the Director of the Office of Code Enforcement. Within five business days, the owner gets certified-mail notice and five business days to request a hearing before the City's Special Magistrate under the Chapter 36 hearing procedure; skipping that window finalizes the declaration.
A Special Magistrate finding of dangerousness is appealable to court by trial de novo within 30 days. 18(G), the dog must be leashed (four feet or less) and muzzled whenever outside its enclosure, confined in a pen with eight-foot sides or a securely embedded, escape-proof structure, and the property must post a visible "Beware of Dog" sign. The owner has three business days from the declaration (or from acquiring the dog) to get an annual permit and red identification tag from the Office of Code Enforcement, with the fee set by City Commission resolution.
The dangerous designation follows the dog for life and transfers with it: a new owner must be notified in writing, and anyone moving a dog into Hollywood that was declared dangerous by another municipality, county or state must notify the Office of Code Enforcement within ten days.
Violations & Fines
Failing to comply with the leash, muzzle, confinement, signage or permit requirements of § 92.18(G) is a misdemeanor, and any noncompliant dog is subject to immediate seizure and impoundment under Broward County's impoundment procedures. Separately, § 92.99(I) sets a general penalty for violations of §§ 92.18 through 92.22 of a fine up to $250 and/or up to 30 days imprisonment per offense, unless another penalty applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hollywood, FL ban pit bulls or other specific dog breeds?
How does a dog get declared dangerous in Hollywood?
What must a Hollywood owner do once their dog is declared dangerous?
Can a Hollywood dangerous dog declaration be appealed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hollywood
How Hollywood compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Hollywood to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Broward County handle breed restrictions.