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Palm Beach County, FL Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Permitting agency: Animal Care and Control Division
Permit term: 1 year, renew 30 days prior
Mobile units: separate permit for each unit
Max civil fine: $500 per violation
Coverage: unincorporated county only

Summary

Grooming parlors and mobile grooming units in unincorporated Palm Beach County must hold an annual operational permit from Animal Care and Control, renewed yearly and subject to unannounced inspections.

City-specific rules exist: Jupiter has its own pet groomer rules rules that differ from Palm Beach County's county-level regulations. If you live in Jupiter, check the city-specific page instead.

No person shall operate, solicit business, or advertise an animal establishment without first obtaining an operational permit (hereinafter, "permit") issued by the Division. ... Each separate place of business or property shall be required to have a permit. Each individual mobile grooming unit shall be subject to inspection and shall be required to have a separate permit.

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Full Breakdown

Any grooming parlor or mobile grooming unit operating in unincorporated Palm Beach County is an "animal establishment" under the county code and cannot open, solicit business, or advertise without an operational permit from the Animal Care and Control Division. Permits run one year from issue and must be renewed at least 30 days before expiration; each individual mobile grooming unit needs its own separate permit, and every location is inspected without advance notice before approval. A permit also requires written zoning sign-off confirming the business is authorized to operate at that address. This applies only outside cities like West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Delray Beach, which license groomers separately.

Violations & Fines

Operating without a permit, or committing an offense under Chapter 4, is a civil infraction punishable by a fine up to $500 per violation, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to run a mobile dog grooming business in Palm Beach County?

Yes: if you operate in unincorporated Palm Beach County, every mobile grooming unit needs its own operational permit from Animal Care and Control, separate from any fixed-location permit.

How long does a Palm Beach County grooming parlor permit last?

One year from the issue date. Renewal applications are due at least 30 days before the permit expires, or late fees apply.

Sources & Official References

[1]Palm Beach County Code of Ordinances § 4-23

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All Palm Beach County rules

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Pet Groomer Rules in Cities Across Palm Beach County

West Palm Beach, FL Boca Raton, FL Boynton Beach, FL Delray Beach, FL Jupiter, FL