Miami-Dade County, FL Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Lots under 1 acre
- 4 dogs max
- 1 to under 2 acres
- 6 dogs max
- 2+ acres
- 8 dogs max
- Age counted
- 6 months or older
- Over limit, no license
- $250 civil fine
Summary
Miami-Dade County caps dogs six months or older at 4 on lots under an acre, 6 on 1-2 acre lots, and 8 on lots of 2+ acres before a kennel license is required.
The keeping of dogs, six (6) months of age or older, on premises used for residential purposes, in excess of the following numbers: (a) four (4) dogs on property that is less than 1 acre in gross area, or in any individual residence unit in a multifamily zoning district; (b) six (6) dogs on property that is at least 1 acre but less than 2 acres in gross area; and (c) eight (8) dogs on property that is 2 acres or more in gross area
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 135).
Full Breakdown
Under Code § 5-1(17)(ii), keeping dogs six months or older on residential property in excess of 4 (lots under 1 acre, or any unit in a multifamily zoning district), 6 (1 to under 2 acres), or 8 (2 acres or more) legally makes the property a "kennel." Section 5-13(a) then bars keeping that many dogs without first getting a kennel license from the county's Animal Services Department. The caps apply countywide, in both the incorporated municipalities and unincorporated Miami-Dade (Ch. 5 applies "in the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Miami-Dade County" per § 5-2(a)), though a kennel license also needs zoning approval under Chapter 33 or the local municipal code.
Violations & Fines
Keeping more dogs than the threshold without a kennel license draws a $250 civil penalty per violation under the Chapter 8CC schedule, plus possible license denial.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs can I have at my Miami-Dade home?
Does this limit apply inside cities like Hialeah or Miami?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami-Dade County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami-Dade County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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