Miami-Dade County, FL Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Code § 5-9(j)
- Grooming violation fine
- $200 per offense
- Covers
- Fixed and mobile groomers
- Geographic scope
- Countywide, incl. 34 cities
- Enforcing agency
- Miami-Dade Animal Services
Summary
Miami-Dade requires groomers, including mobile groomers, to disinfect equipment and bathtubs between every animal or face a $200 civil fine.
Grooming. Where grooming services are provided:(1)Clippers, combs, brushes and any other grooming equipment shall be disinfected after each animal.(2)Clean, separate drying towels shall be used for each animal.(3)Grooming bathtubs shall be cleaned with soap and disinfectant and rinsed after each animal and shall be maintained free of mold and mildew.(4)All grooming equipment shall be maintained in good repair.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 135).
Full Breakdown
Any kennel, breeder, pet dealer, or pet care center that offers grooming, including mobile grooming services, operating in Miami-Dade County must meet the Section 5-9 minimum care standards. Where grooming is offered, clippers, combs, brushes, and other equipment must be disinfected after each animal, drying towels must be clean and used for only one animal, and grooming bathtubs must be cleaned with soap and disinfectant and rinsed after each animal, kept free of mold and mildew. All grooming equipment must be kept in good repair. The chapter applies in both the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county.
Violations & Fines
Animal Services enforces Section 5-9 as a civil infraction; "failure to meet standard for grooming services" carries a $200 penalty per Chapter 8CC's civil penalty schedule, with a $5 training surcharge added to each penalty and each day of noncompliance a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Miami-Dade's grooming sanitation rules apply inside cities like Miami or Hialeah?
Does a mobile pet groomer have to follow the same rules as a storefront groomer?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami-Dade County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami-Dade County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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