Margate, FL Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Section 6-26 of the Margate Code is written for any animal, so it covers dogs, cats and every other pet. An owner, boarder or custodian cannot permit the animal to be outside a building or structure that securely keeps it from exiting, unless one of four conditions is met. The animal can be kept behind a fence, wall or other secure barricade that confines it to the owner's property. It can be securely fastened by a leash, chain, run or other device that confines it to the owner's property. It can be securely fastened by a leash, chain or other device that keeps it in the control of the person in custody, on private property where that person has a right to be or on public property where animals are not prohibited. The fourth option, in a motor vehicle, requires the animal to be securely enclosed, or confined by a container, cage or other device if the vehicle is un-enclosed, such as a convertible, pick-up or flat bed truck.

Section 6-27 declares animals at large a public nuisance. Any city police officer or the animal control officer can impound the animal and deliver it to the county wildlife care center or a similar establishment. The city notifies the owner of a licensed animal if possible, the owner reclaims the animal by paying the established fees of that center, and information on the impounded animal is kept at the police department information window.

Other Chapter 6 sections matter for dog owners. Section 6-86(b) prohibits fences that use electronic collars to contain animals, and 6-86(d) requires fences that keep the animal confined and prevent escape under, over or through them. Section 6-31 requires excrement to be removed immediately from private property, public property and rights-of-way. Section 6-82 lets an officer issue a warning with no civil penalty or a citation, and reserves mandatory court appearances for unprovoked bites and attacks, destruction of property, and a third or subsequent citation.