St. Petersburg, FL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- BSL allowed
- No (preempted 2023)
- State statute
- FS 767.14
- City code
- Chapter 4 Animals
- Basis for label
- Behavior, not breed
- HOA/landlord rules
- Still permitted
Summary
St. Petersburg cannot restrict dogs based on breed under Florida Statute 767.14 as amended in 2023, but the city still enforces Chapter 4 dangerous and aggressive dog rules 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.
Full Breakdown
Florida Statute 767.14, amended effective October 1, 2023, preempts local governments from adopting breed-specific dog ordinances based solely on breed, size, or weight. As a result, St. Petersburg does not prohibit pit bulls or any specific breed. The City instead enforces Chapter 4 (Animals) provisions that classify any individual dog as dangerous or aggressive based on its actual conduct, including biting incidents and unprovoked attacks. Dangerous-dog designations require muzzling, secure enclosures, registration, liability insurance, and warning signs. Private landlords, HOAs, and insurers may still impose breed-based restrictions independently of the city.
Violations & Fines
Dangerous-dog designations bring registration fees, mandatory enclosures, and possible euthanasia for severe attacks; failure to follow restrictions is a misdemeanor under FS 767.13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pit bulls banned in St. Petersburg?
Can my landlord still ban my pit bull in St. Petersburg?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Petersburg
How St. Petersburg compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Florida rules heatmap·Compare St. Petersburg to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Pinellas County handle breed restrictions.