Palm Beach County, FL Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Cutoff date
- October 1, 2016
- New pet-shop/dealer permits
- Not approved after cutoff
- Existing stores
- Can renew, relocate, or transfer only
- Exempt
- Humane societies and nonprofit rescues
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Palm Beach County only
Summary
Palm Beach County barred new pet-shop and pet-dealer permits for stores selling dogs or cats since October 1, 2016; existing licensed stores keep operating and can transfer ownership, but none can open additional locations.
After October 1, 2016, no new permit shall be approved for any pet shop that offers for sale dogs or cats. Notwithstanding the foregoing, existing pet shops that offer for sale dogs or cats may renew their pet shop operating permit or relocate the business provided they are in compliance with this chapter and may transfer, assign or sell their business provided that the transferee, assignee or new owner meets all requirements for licensure under this chapter. After October 1, 2016, any pet shop that offers for sale dogs or cats shall not open additional stores.
Full Breakdown
Since October 1, 2016, Palm Beach County's Code has blocked new operating permits for any pet shop or pet dealer that sells dogs or cats (Sec. 4-23(b)(13)-(14)). Stores licensed before that date can renew, relocate, or sell the business to a new owner who meets licensing requirements, but none may open additional locations. Humane societies, private nonprofit rescues, and shelters are exempt from the permit requirement entirely and continue placing animals for adoption. The rule applies to unincorporated Palm Beach County; incorporated cities like West Palm Beach and Boca Raton set their own pet-store rules.
Violations & Fines
Selling dogs or cats without a valid permit, or opening a new store to sell them, draws code enforcement citations and permit denial or revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a new pet store sell dogs or cats in Palm Beach County?
Can an existing pet store still sell dogs and cats?
Where can I adopt a dog or cat in Palm Beach County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Beach County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Beach County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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