Pompano Beach, FL Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash requirement
- Leash, owner's presence, or secure fence
- First bite-while-loose fine
- $250.00
- Second bite-while-loose fine
- $500.00
- Third offense
- Mandatory court appearance
- Officer authority
- May seize and impound at-large animals
Summary
Pompano Beach requires every dog to be on a leash, within its owner's physical presence, or confined behind a fence under Code of Ordinances § 90.08(A); anything less counts as running at large. Dogs that bite, scratch, or injure someone while at large draw an escalating fine starting at $250, and an officer can seize and impound any animal found loose.
(A) It shall be a violation of this section when an animal is not under the physical control of a responsible person, by means of a leash, or not in the physical presence of its owner or person in custody of said animal while on the owner's property, or not confined to the real property of its owner or person who has custody or control of the animal by means of a fence constructed in a manner which serves to keep said animal confined to the property. Additionally, dog(s) must comply with the minimum standards set forth in §§ 90.09, 90.10 and 90.11.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-122: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through 2026-35, passed 7-29-26).
Full Breakdown
08(A) defines when a dog (or other animal) is unlawfully 'at large': whenever it is not under the physical control of a responsible person by leash, not in the physical presence of its owner or custodian while on the owner's property, or not confined by a fence built to keep it on the property. 11 (fence construction and 'Beware of Dog' signage). Subsection (B) separately bars locating or securing any animal so it can reach public property, common areas, or a neighbor's property without that owner's written consent, and subsection (C) requires any animal riding in a vehicle to be securely enclosed or, in an open bed or convertible, confined by a cage or container that stops it reaching passersby.
If a loose animal bites, scratches, or injures a person or another animal, subsection (D) sets a $250 fine for the first offense, $500 for the second, and mandatory court appearance for the third or later offense. 33, and subsection (F) adds a $250 first-offense, $500 repeat-offense penalty specifically for an unaltered dog or cat caught at large, waived if the owner proves sterilization within 30 days of the citation.
Violations & Fines
An owner who lets a dog off-leash and out of sight, or without a proper fence, is in violation of § 90.08(A) and can be cited under § 90.33 or have the animal seized and impounded on the spot under § 90.08(E). If the loose dog bites or injures someone, fines start at $250 and rise to mandatory court appearance by the third offense under § 90.08(D).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dog have to be on a leash in Pompano Beach?
What happens if my dog gets loose and bites someone?
Can animal control take my dog if it's found running loose?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pompano Beach
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Pompano Beach to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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