Palm Beach County, FL Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Up to 10 animals
- allowed on any lot size
- 11-20 animals
- requires 1.5+ acres
- 21-30 animals
- requires 2.5+ acres
- Over 30 animals
- needs excess animal habitat permit
- Cure period
- 30 days from notice of violation
Summary
Palm Beach County caps how many dogs and cats a household may keep before extra acreage or a special permit is required - up to 10 are allowed on any lot, 11 to 30 need 1.5 to 2.5+ acres, and anything beyond 30 needs an Excess Animal Habitat permit.
(a)The chart set forth below prescribes the maximum number of dogs and/or cats, other than community cats, per specified acreage restrictions... (d)Any person who wishes to exceed the maximum number of thirty (30) dogs and/or cats on two and one-half (2.5) acres or more must apply to the Division for a special excess animal habitat permit.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 4's acreage chart lets any property keep up to 10 dogs and/or cats over four months old. Keeping 11 to 20 requires at least 1.5 acres, and 21 to 30 requires at least 2.5 contiguous acres (easements for roads don't count toward the total). Anyone who wants to exceed 30 animals on 2.5+ acres must apply to the Division of Animal Care and Control for an excess animal habitat permit and meet the chapter's animal-care standards. This section applies only in unincorporated Palm Beach County - incorporated cities inside the county, including Boca Raton, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach and Jupiter, set their own pet-limit rules.
Violations & Fines
Animal Care and Control officers may issue a notice of violation; the owner then has 30 days to reduce the animal count or obtain the required acreage/permit before further enforcement, including civil citation, applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs or cats can I keep in unincorporated Palm Beach County?
What if I want more than 30 dogs or cats?
Does this limit apply inside cities like Boca Raton or West Palm Beach?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Beach County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Beach County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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