Tampa, FL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Florida Statute 767.14 was amended effective October 1, 2023, to remove the grandfather clause that had allowed Miami-Dade County to maintain its pit bull ban. The law now expressly preempts all local government breed-specific regulations, meaning no Florida city or county, including Tampa, can ban or restrict dogs based on breed, appearance, or perceived breed mix. This change invalidated any lingering breed-specific local ordinances statewide. Tampa and Hillsborough County instead regulate dogs based on individual behavior under Florida Statute 767.12, which defines a dangerous dog as one that has aggressively bitten, attacked, or endangered a person without provocation, killed or severely injured a domestic animal while off the owners property, or been used primarily for dog fighting. A dog can be formally declared dangerous by the animal control authority following an investigation and hearing process that provides the owner due process. Once declared dangerous under state law, the owner must register the dog with Hillsborough County Animal Services, maintain secure enclosure with warning signs, use a muzzle and substantial leash in public, carry liability insurance or surety bond of at least 100,000 dollars, and notify authorities of any change of address or if the dog is loose. Violations can result in fines, impoundment, or in cases of serious injury, felony charges under Florida Statute 767.13. Tampa does enforce leash laws, vaccination requirements, and general nuisance rules equally on all breeds. Homeowners insurance policies may still exclude certain breeds, which is a private business decision not governed by the breed preemption statute.