Broward County, FL Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- before any sale for consideration
- Minimum age to sell
- 8 weeks old
- Litter cap
- 1 litter per animal per year
- Sale locations
- no flea markets or public areas
- Permit term
- 1 year, renewable
Summary
Broward County lets pet stores sell dogs and cats, but only if the seller holds a County Breeder or Pet Trader Permit: there is no adoption-only mandate for retail sellers.
No breeder or pet trader shall, regardless of intent, cause or allow the breeding or studding of a dog or cat, trade a dog or cat for consideration, or offer a dog or cat for sale, breeding, or studding purposes, without first obtaining a breeder or pet trader permit issued by the Division.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72 | Administrative Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Under Section 4-6.5, any person, firm, or corporation that trades a dog or cat for consideration, a definition that reaches pet stores as well as home breeders, must hold a Breeder or Pet Trader Permit from the Animal Care Division before offering an animal for sale. Permit holders must keep birth and medical records, provide an OCVI Health Certificate and microchip number to buyers, cannot sell puppies or kittens under 8 weeks old, are capped at one litter per animal per year, and may sell only at the location listed on the permit, never at flea markets or public thoroughfares. Nonprofit shelters and rescues are excluded from the "pet trader" definition entirely.
Violations & Fines
Selling, trading, or breeding a dog or cat without a valid permit is a citable violation carrying a Commission-set fine; three violations within 24 months, or any cruelty-related finding, can get a permit denied, suspended, or revoked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pet store in Broward County sell dogs and cats?
Are shelters and rescues exempt from this permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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