Walton County, FL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Walton County Code § 5-33
- Hearing request deadline
- 7 calendar days after notice
- Hearing window
- 5 to 21 days after request
- Adverse ruling fee
- $500.00 administrative fee
- Appeal court
- First Judicial Circuit Court
- Standard of proof
- Clear and convincing evidence
Summary
Walton County does not ban any dog breed; Sec. 5-33 instead lets animal control officers classify an individual dog as dangerous under F.S. ch. 767, pt. II based on that dog's own conduct. An owner who disputes the finding can demand a hearing before a special magistrate, and a ruling against the owner carries a $500.00 administrative fee.
(a)Animal control officers shall investigate reported incidents involving any dog that may be dangerous pursuant to F.S. ch. 767, pt. II. If an animal control officer finds sufficient cause to classify a dog as dangerous, the owner has an opportunity to appeal the decision in a dangerous dog hearing prior to a final determination being made regarding the classification or penalty. ... (1)The owner must file a written request (email is acceptable) for a hearing regarding the dangerous dog classification, penalty, or both, within seven calendar days after receipt of the notification of sufficient cause finding and proposed penalty with Walton County Animal Services. ... (6)The special magistrate shall render a decision at the same meeting. If ruled in the favor of the animal control officer, the dog owner will be responsible for a $500.00 administrative fee.
Full Breakdown
Walton County's dangerous dog provision, Sec. ch. 767, pt. II, and the classification turns on the animal's own conduct rather than its breed. Once an animal control officer finds sufficient cause to classify a dog as dangerous, the owner has seven calendar days from receiving notice of the finding and proposed penalty to file a written request, email is accepted, for a hearing with Walton County Animal Services. The hearing must be scheduled no sooner than five days and no later than 21 days after that request is received, and Walton County Animal Services works with the county attorney to set the date.
A special magistrate appointed by the Board of County Commissioners presides in a recorded room; the animal control officer presents its case first, with witnesses, photographs, sworn affidavits, and any prior citations against the dog, and the owner then presents a defense the same way. The officer must prove the dangerous dog case by clear and convincing evidence, and the magistrate rules at the same meeting. ch. 48. 12(4), and the digital and audio recording of the hearing goes into the appellate record.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 5-43(b)'s fine schedule treats a dangerous dog restriction violation as $150.00 for a first offense, $300.00 for a second, and $500.00 for a third; a bite or attack causing severe injury by a dangerous dog is $500.00 regardless of offense number. The classification hearing itself carries a separate $500.00 administrative fee when the county prevails, on top of any restriction fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Walton County ban any dog breeds?
How long do I have to appeal a dangerous dog classification?
What happens at a Walton County dangerous dog hearing?
Can I appeal a Walton County dangerous dog ruling to court?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Walton County
How Walton County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Walton County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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