Melbourne, FL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- BSL Preemption
- FL §767.14 prohibits breed bans
- Dangerous Dogs
- Behavior-based only
- State Law
- FL §767.01-767.04
- Enforcement
- Brevard County
Summary
Florida Statute Section 767.14 preempts all breed-specific legislation statewide. Melbourne cannot enact breed bans or restrictions. Dangerous dog classifications are behavior-based under FL Sections 767.01-767.04.
767.14 Additional local restrictions authorized. - This act does not limit any local government or public housing authority from adopting an ordinance or a policy, respectively, to address the safety and welfare concerns caused by attacks on persons or domestic animals; placing further restrictions or additional requirements on owners of dogs that have bitten or attacked persons or domestic animals; or developing procedures and criteria for the implementation of this act, provided that no such regulation is specific to 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.
Full Breakdown
Melbourne does not enforce breed-specific legislation (BSL) in city limits. Instead, the county uses behavior-based dangerous dog classifications. A dog may be declared "dangerous" or "potentially dangerous" after biting a person, attacking another animal, or exhibiting threatening behavior. Owners of declared dangerous dogs must maintain secure enclosures (6-foot fenced yard or kennel), carry $100,000+ liability insurance, muzzle the dog in public, and register the animal with Melbourne Animal Control annually. Florida state law governs the hearing process for dangerous dog declarations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are any dog breeds banned in Melbourne?
Are there pit bull restrictions in Melbourne?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Melbourne
How Melbourne compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Melbourne to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Brevard County handle breed restrictions.