Broward County, FL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- State Preemption
- FL 767.14 (SB 942)
- Effective Date
- October 1, 2023
- Dangerous Dog Basis
- Behavior, not breed
- HOA/Landlord Rules
- Not preempted
- Dangerous Dog Insurance
- Required under FL 767.12
Summary
FL 767.14 (SB 942, effective October 1, 2023) preempts local breed-specific legislation. Broward County cannot ban any dog breed. Dangerous dog classification under FL 767 is based on individual behavior.
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 Senate Bill 942 (signed 2023, effective October 1, 2023) amended FL 767.14 to prohibit local governments from adopting or enforcing breed-specific dog regulations. Previously, several Florida jurisdictions had pit bull bans (notably Miami-Dade County's long-standing pit bull ban, which was nullified by this law). Broward County Code Chapter 4 had no breed-specific ordinance even before the preemption. The FL Dangerous Dog Act (767.10 through 767.16) governs individual dog classification: a dog may be declared dangerous based on documented unprovoked attacks, severe injury, or aggressive acts. Dangerous dogs must be confined, muzzled in public, registered, and carry insurance. Broward County Animal Care investigates dangerous dog complaints. Homeowners associations and private landlords may still enforce breed restrictions through private contracts; 767.14 only preempts governmental action. Renters insurance and homeowners policies often exclude specific breeds (pit bulls, rottweilers, Dobermans), which is private underwriting, not law. FL 767.12 allows criminal charges for dog owners whose animals cause severe injury or death.
Violations & Fines
No breed-specific fines possible under state preemption. Dangerous dog classification violations (non-confinement, lack of insurance): up to $500 per violation and possible misdemeanor charges under FL 767.13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Broward County ban pit bulls?
Can my HOA still ban certain breeds?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
How Broward County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County 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.