Homestead, FL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed
- Pit bulls banned countywide
- County Code
- Section 5-17.1
- Enacted
- 1989, upheld 2012 referendum
- Penalty
- Seizure, up to $500 fine, jail
- Contact
- (305) 884-1101 Animal Services
Summary
Miami-Dade County, including Homestead, bans pit bull-type dogs under County Code Section 5-17.1. This is one of the few remaining breed-specific bans in Florida. Owning, keeping, or harboring pit bulls is illegal and subject to seizure and euthanasia. No grandfather clause exists for existing dogs.
breed, weight, or size and that the provisions of this act are not lessened by such additional regulations or requirements. History. — s. 5, ch. 90-180; s. 5, ch. 2016-16; s. 1, ch. 2023-253. Home Senators Senator List Find Your Legislators District Maps Vote Disclosures Committees Committee List Committee Publications Search Bill Search Tips Statute Search Tips Site Search Tips Session Bills Calendars Journals Appropriations Conferences Reports Executive Appointments Executive Suspensions Redistricting Laws Statutes Constitution Laws of Florida Order - Legistore Media Publications Videos Topics Video Broadcast Schedule About Employment Visit Us Contact Us Page Program Offices President's Of
Full Breakdown
Homestead falls under Miami-Dade County's pit bull ban, enacted in 1989 under County Code Section 5-17.1. This ordinance makes it illegal to own, keep, harbor, or sell pit bull dogs (American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any dog substantially conforming to these breed characteristics) anywhere in Miami-Dade County. The ban was upheld by voter referendum in 2012. Dogs suspected of being pit bulls are subject to investigation by Miami-Dade Animal Services. If determined to be a pit bull, the dog must be removed from the county within a specified period or faces seizure and euthanasia. No grandfather clause protects existing dogs. This ban was preserved when Florida passed its state preemption on breed-specific legislation (FL Statute Section 767.14) in 1990, which includes a carve-out allowing Miami-Dade County to maintain its existing ban. Mixed-breed dogs that substantially conform to pit bull characteristics are also covered.
Violations & Fines
First offense is a warning with mandatory removal from the county. Failure to comply results in seizure and potential euthanasia of the dog. Owners face fines of $500 and up to 6 months in jail. Contact Miami-Dade Animal Services at (305) 884-1101.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pit bulls legal in Homestead?
What happens if I have a pit bull in Homestead?
Can I keep a pit bull mix in Homestead?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Homestead
How Homestead compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Homestead to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Miami-Dade County handle breed restrictions.