Orlando, FL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- State Preemption
- FS 767.14 (SB 942 of 2023) bans local breed restrictions
- No Breed Bans
- Orlando cannot ban or restrict any breed
- Dangerous Dog Law
- FS 767.10 to 767.16 - based on behavior, not breed
- Licensing
- All dogs 4+ months must be licensed and rabies-vaccinated
- Authority
- Orange County Animal Services
Summary
Orlando does not impose breed-specific bans on dogs. Florida Statute 767.14, as amended by SB 942 in 2023, prohibits local governments from enacting or enforcing breed-specific bans or restrictions on dogs. All dogs in Orlando are governed by uniform dangerous-dog laws based on individual behavior, not breed, under FS 767.10 to 767.16 and Orange County Animal Services regulations.
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
Florida is a statewide preemption state for dog breed regulations. FS 767.14, amended by SB 942 effective October 1, 2023, fully preempts local ordinances that ban or restrict dogs based on breed - including pit bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and similar breeds. Orlando cannot enact or enforce a breed ban, mandatory spay/neuter rules, mandatory muzzling, or higher licensing fees based on breed alone. (The longstanding Miami-Dade pit bull ban was repealed in 2023 to comply with this preemption.) Instead, dangerous and aggressive dogs are regulated under FS 767 based on individual behavior - any dog that has bitten or attacked may be classified as dangerous, requiring registration, secure enclosure, liability insurance, and warning signs. Owners of dogs declared dangerous face strict criminal liability if their dog attacks again. Orange County Animal Services handles dangerous dog investigations and licensing in Orlando.
Violations & Fines
Failure to comply with dangerous-dog requirements (registration, enclosure, insurance): misdemeanor charges and fines under FS 767.13. A dog that kills or seriously injures a person can result in felony charges against the owner. Standard licensing violations: $50 to $250 fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pit bulls or other breeds banned in Orlando?
What if my dog has bitten someone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orlando
How Orlando compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Orlando 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 Orange County handle breed restrictions.