Jacksonville Beach, FL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Section 5-2 defines a dangerous dog by conduct recorded by the appropriate authority: a dog that has aggressively bitten, attacked, or endangered, or has inflicted severe injury on, a human being on public or private property; a dog that has more than once severely injured or killed a domestic animal while off the owner's property; or a dog that, when unprovoked, has chased or approached a person on the streets, sidewalks, or any public grounds in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack, as attested in a sworn statement and investigated. Breed does not enter into it.

Section 5-30(1) starts with an animal control officer (ACO), who investigates, interviews the owner if possible, and requires a sworn affidavit from anyone desiring to have a dog classified as dangerous. A dog under investigation for a severe injury to a human can be confiscated immediately, quarantined or impounded, and cannot be relocated or have its ownership transferred while the matter is pending. Section 5-30(2) bars a declaration when the injured person was unlawfully on the property or was tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the dog, its owner or a family member, when the dog was defending a human from an unjustified attack, or when it was performing official duties for law enforcement.

The ACO forwards a report to the special magistrate. The owner has seven calendar days after receiving the notification to request a hearing, and the hearing is held as soon as possible, but not later than 21 calendar days and not sooner than five days after the request. The magistrate decides within 14 calendar days of the hearing's conclusion in a written order recorded with the city clerk. The owner can appeal to the circuit court under the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure.

After a final classification, § 5-30(5) requires registration with animal control, a current rabies certificate, a proper enclosure, a warning sign at all entry points, and permanent identification such as a tattoo or electronic implantation. The printed definition of proper enclosure is a structure measuring at least six feet wide by 12 feet long by six feet high. Outside it, the dog must be muzzled, on a substantial chain or leash, and under a competent person's control. No dog declared dangerous is allowed in Paws Dog Park (§ 5-30(10)).