Miami Beach, FL Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code Sec. 10-16
- Total domestic animal cap
- 10 per premises
- Dog sub-limit
- 4 dogs per premises
- Exemption
- Licensed pet stores, kennels, animal hospitals
- First-offense fine
- $50
Summary
Miami Beach caps households at ten domestic animals total, with no more than four dogs among them, though licensed pet stores, kennels and animal hospitals in an allowed zoning district are exempt from the cap.
It shall be unlawful for any owner or responsible person to keep, maintain or harbor more than ten domestic animals on the premises of the owner or responsible person; however, at no time shall there be more than four dogs residing on the premises of the owner or responsible person. This section does not include animal hospitals, pet stores or kennels that possess a valid occupational license to operate such businesses and are located in a zoning district that allows such a use.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 98 | Resiliency Code (Current Land Development Regulations): Publication | Ordinance 89-2665 (Previous Land Development Regulations): Publication).
Full Breakdown
Sec. ' The section exempts animal hospitals, pet stores or kennels that hold a valid occupational license and sit in a zoning district that allows that use, so the cap targets residential households and unlicensed operations rather than licensed businesses. The limit matters beyond its own violation, too: Sec. 10-18(a)(2) defines a 'breeder' for purposes of the city's pet-sale rules by reference to this section, exempting a pet owner who breeds his or her own pet and keeps all offspring only so long as the household stays within the Sec.
10-16 maximum. General chapter 10 enforcement applies since this section is not among those the code carves out with special penalties in Sec. 10-2(a): a violation is a civil infraction carrying $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second within 12 months, and $200 for each additional offense within 12 months, with a ten-day window to pay or appeal to a special magistrate before the violation is deemed admitted.
Violations & Fines
Treated as a general chapter 10 civil infraction: $50 fine for a first offense, $100 for a second offense within 12 months, and $200 for each additional offense within 12 months, per Sec. 10-2(a). A recipient has ten days to pay or request an administrative hearing before it is deemed admitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pets can I legally have in Miami Beach?
Does the pet limit apply to pet stores or kennels?
What is the fine for exceeding the pet limit?
Does the four-dog limit affect home breeding?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami Beach
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami Beach to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Miami-Dade County handle pet limits.