Miami, FL Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Kennel threshold, under 1 acre
- more than 4 dogs
- Kennel threshold, 1-2 acres
- more than 6 dogs
- Kennel threshold, 2+ acres
- more than 8 dogs
- Guard dogs on vacant/business land
- max 4
- First uncontested civil penalty
- $50.00
Summary
Keeping more than four dogs on a small residential lot in Miami (six on one-to-two acres, eight on two-plus acres) reclassifies the property as a kennel, triggering city maintenance and nuisance rules under City Code § 6-36 and § 6-37.
(2)The keeping of dogs six months of age or older on premises used for residential purposes in excess of:a.Four dogs on property that is less than one acre in gross area or in any individual residence unit in a transect zone that allows multifamily uses;b.Six dogs on property that is at least one acre but less than two acres in gross area; andc.Eight dogs on property that is two acres or more in gross area; or(3)The keeping of more than four guard dogs on vacant property or on property used for business or industrial purposes. Owner: Any person owning, harboring, or keeping a dog or cat within the city.
Pet dealer: Any person that engages in the sale to the public of dogs or cats regardless of number. This classification shall include pet stores as well as breeders who sell directly to the consumer. Animal rescue organizations and hobby breeders shall be exempt from this classification.
Pet store: A pet shop, pet beauty parlor, animal grooming establishment, pet hospital, or other retail establishment open to the public and engaging in the business of selling pet supplies, services, or animals at retail or wholesale prices.
Pet store operator: A person who owns or operates a pet store.
Retail sale: The display, offer for adoption, barter, auction, give away, or other transfer of any dog or cat.
(Code 1967, § 5-10; Code 1980, § 6-20; Ord. No. 13696, § 2, 7-27-17)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 | Ordinance 11000 (Previous Zoning Code): Supplement 22 | Miami 21 (Zoning Code): ?).
Full Breakdown
Miami's animal code defines a 'kennel' as any residential property with more than four dogs six months or older on a lot under one acre, more than six dogs on one-to-two acres, or more than eight dogs on two acres or more (the multifamily-unit exception aside). Hobby breeders and licensed shelters are excluded, but everyone else crossing that line is deemed the operator of a commercial dog kennel under Sec. 6-37 and must keep the premises clean and free of nuisance odors, barking, or howling. Guard dogs on vacant or business property are capped at four regardless of acreage.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the threshold without complying with kennel maintenance duties, or violating any city animal provision, is a civil infraction: $50 first offense (uncontested), rising to $400-$500 for a third or later violation under Sec. 6-71.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep 5 dogs in a single-family home in Miami?
Does a hobby breeder count toward the dog limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Miami-Dade County handle pet limits.