Miami, FL Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- City leash law scope
- Public parks only
- Governing sections
- City Code §§ 6-2, 38-57
- First-offense park fine
- $50.00
- Repeat-offense fine
- $500.00 (3rd+)
- Off-leash exception
- Dept.-designated park areas
Summary
Miami's general at-large ordinance (Sec. 6-2) explicitly exempts dogs and cats, so the city has no citywide leash mandate for streets or sidewalks. The only leash requirement in the municipal code is Sec. 38-57, covering public parks.
Subject to the following exceptions, no person having the control or care of a domestic animal shall cause or permit such animal to enter or remain in a public park. ... The above prohibition shall not apply to a dog if:(1)The dog is only allowed within such areas as have been designated or approved by the department of parks and recreation; or(2)The dog is kept securely fastened to a leash strong enough to prevent its running free of the leash.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 | Ordinance 11000 (Previous Zoning Code): Supplement 22 | Miami 21 (Zoning Code): ?).
Full Breakdown
City Code Sec. 6-2(a) bars animals from running at large unless leashed or enclosed, but Sec. 6-2(b) states this rule "shall have no application to dogs and cats, except as limited by section 38-57." Section 38-57 then bars domestic animals from public parks unless the dog stays in a department-designated off-leash area or is "kept securely fastened to a leash strong enough to prevent its running free of the leash." Outside park property, the city code does not impose its own leash requirement on dog owners.
Violations & Fines
Violating the park leash rule (Sec. 38-57) draws a $50 fine for a first offense, $250 for a second, and $500 for a third or subsequent offense, enforced under Sec. 38-48 and Chapter 2, Article X of the City Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the City of Miami require dogs to be on a leash?
What's the fine for an unleashed dog in a Miami park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Miami-Dade County handle dog leash laws.