Fort Lauderdale, FL Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- City running-at-large code
- Fort Lauderdale Code Sec. 6-2
- City beach/park pet code
- Fort Lauderdale Code Sec. 6-4
- Beach leash permit hours
- 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
- County leash rule
- Broward County Code Sec. 4-3
- Tethering limits
- Fort Lauderdale Code Sec. 6-35
Summary
Fort Lauderdale prohibits any animal from running at large and bans pets on the sandy public beach, parks and playgrounds, with a narrow leashed-dog beach permit window of 6:00-9:00 a.m. Broward County's countywide leash rule (Sec. 4-3) also applies.
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any animal to permit or allow the same to run at large in the city. It shall be the duty of the police department to notify or to take up and deliver to the county humane society or county rabies control department any such animal found running at large. Every owner of an animal shall keep such animal in a substantial pen, coop or enclosure at all times.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 67 Update 1 | Unified Land Development Code: Supplement 58 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
City Code Sec. 6-2 makes it unlawful for an owner to permit any animal to run at large and requires animals to be kept in a substantial pen, coop or enclosure at all times. Sec. 6-4 bars pets from the sandy public beach, beach-adjacent sidewalks east of the State Road A-1-A centerline, the Executive Airport, and any public park or playground; an exception allows leashed dogs only between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. with a city permit on the designated A-1-A stretch, and owners must carry a waste-removal device. Countywide, Broward County Code Sec. 4-3 separately prohibits dogs from being at large and requires direct physical control by leash, cord, chain or fenced confinement.
Violations & Fines
Code enforcement citation for violation of Sec. 6-2 or 6-4; impoundment of animals found at large; Broward County animal-control citation under Sec. 4-3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk my dog on Fort Lauderdale Beach?
Does Fort Lauderdale require dogs to be leashed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Lauderdale
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Fort Lauderdale to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Broward County handle dog leash laws.