Sarasota does not impose breed-specific restrictions on dogs. Florida Statute §767.14 (further limited by HB 941 effective 2023) preempts local breed-specific ordinances. The City regulates dangerous behavior under Ch. 8 and F.S. §767, not breed.
F.S. §767.14 has historically prohibited local breed-specific dog regulations, with HB 941 (2023) extending the preemption to all Florida counties and municipalities including those previously grandfathered. Sarasota Ch. 8 regulates dangerous and aggressive dogs by behavior - prior bite history, aggression, attacks on people or animals, public-nuisance designation - not by breed. F.S. §767.12 sets the statewide dangerous-dog determination process: the local Animal Services investigates, classifies, and (if confirmed) requires registration, microchipping, secure enclosure, signs, and liability coverage. Bite incidents are reported to the Florida Department of Health.
Dangerous-dog violations under F.S. §767 can carry second-degree misdemeanor charges (up to 60 days jail, $500 fine) for failure to comply with classification rules. A dog that causes serious injury or death can result in third-degree felony charges. Civil liability is also significant.
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