Broward County, FL Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Hoarding defined
- Sec. 4-2 sets the standard
- Prohibition
- Sec. 4-6(h) bans it, deems cruelty
- Cruelty cross-reference
- Sec. 4-17 lists hoarding as cruelty
- Penalty
- Up to $500 civil penalty each
- Scope
- Countywide, incl. municipalities absent own rule
Summary
Broward County's Animal Care Ordinance bans hoarding of dogs or cats and deems it animal cruelty, enforced countywide by the Animal Care Division through civil citations.
Hoarding shall mean the accumulation of a group of animals that has overwhelmed a person's ability to provide minimal standards of nutrition, sanitation, shelter, veterinary care, and socialization, coupled with an inability or refusal to acknowledge that the condition of the animals is deteriorating. ... Hoarding of dogs or cats is not permitted and shall be deemed cruelty to animals pursuant to Section 4-17.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72 | Administrative Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Section 4-2 defines hoarding as accumulating animals to the point a person's ability to provide minimal nutrition, sanitation, shelter, veterinary care and socialization is overwhelmed, combined with an inability or refusal to acknowledge the animals' deteriorating condition. Section 4-6(h) states hoarding of dogs or cats 'is not permitted and shall be deemed cruelty to animals pursuant to Section 4-17,' and Section 4-17 separately lists 'hoards animals' among cruelty violations. Animal Care officers issue civil citations under Section 4-28, appealable to a Hearing Officer, and the chapter applies countywide, including within municipalities, unless a city has adopted its own additional regulations.
Violations & Fines
Keeping more animals than can be given minimal nutrition, sanitation, shelter, veterinary care or socialization; cited under Section 4-28 as cruelty to animals, with civil penalties up to $500 per violation plus a surcharge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is animal hoarding illegal in Broward County?
What counts as hoarding under Broward County's code?
What's the penalty for hoarding animals in Broward County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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