Palm Bay, FL Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Max dogs
- Four per dwelling unit
- Dog defined as
- Canine six months or older
- Grandfather window
- 90 days to apply
- Issued by
- Code Compliance Division
- Certificate voids
- If owner moves out of city
Summary
Palm Bay caps residential dog ownership at four dogs per dwelling unit in most zoning districts, with a grandfathered certificate option for households that already exceeded the cap.
(A) No person shall keep or maintain in, on or upon any lot, building, premises or property more than four dogs per dwelling unit. A dog shall be considered any canine six (6) months in age or older. This section shall apply to all lands within the RE, RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, SRE, RT-10, RM-15, RM-20, RMH, CMU, UMU, and PUD Zoning Districts.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-41: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 2026-13, passed 5-21-26).
Full Breakdown
Palm Bay Code § 174.006(A) bars keeping more than four dogs per dwelling unit, counting any canine six months or older, across the RE, RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, SRE, RT-10, RM-15, RM-20, RMH, CMU, UMU, and PUD Zoning Districts. Owners who already had more than four dogs when the section took effect could apply within 90 days for a certificate letting them keep the extra dogs, but the certificate lapses once the count drops to four and cannot be used to replace a dog that is sold, given away, or dies. Certificates are issued by the Code Compliance Division and void if not transferred within 30 days of a move within the city.
Violations & Fines
Owning more than four dogs per dwelling unit without a valid grandfather certificate violates § 174.006 and can bring a Code Compliance citation requiring the household to reduce its dog count or obtain the certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs can I legally own in Palm Bay?
What happens if I already have five dogs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Bay
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Bay to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Brevard County handle pet limits.