Miami-Dade County Code Section 5-20 requires all dogs to be leashed when off private property. Unsterilized dogs incur a $150 fine if found at large; sterilized dogs incur a $50 fine. Escalating penalties apply for repeat offenses.
Miami-Dade County Code Section 5-20 makes it unlawful for a responsible party to allow a dog to be unrestrained or at large on public property, in common areas of private buildings, or on others' private property without consent. Dogs must be leashed at all times off the owner's property. Exceptions exist for dogs supervised by a competent person in designated off-leash parks authorized by a municipality or the county, or dogs engaged in hunting in authorized areas. All dogs must be registered and vaccinated against rabies as required by Florida law. Miami-Dade Animal Services enforces leash laws and operates the county shelter.
Unsterilized dogs at large: $150 fine. Sterilized dogs at large: $50 fine. Second violation: 2.5 times the penalty. Third: 3 times. Subsequent: 3.5 times. Chapter 5 violations may reach $5,000 per offense.
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