Miami Beach, FL Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

Sec. 10-18(b) bars pet dealers and pet shops from displaying, selling, trading, delivering, bartering, leasing, renting, auctioning, transferring or otherwise disposing of dogs or cats in the city 'unless the pet dealer or pet shop certifies that the dog or cat comes from' an animal rescue organization or a public animal shelter, as those terms are defined in subsection (a). A 'pet dealer' is anyone selling more than two litters or 20 dogs or cats a year, whichever is greater, which captures pet shops and direct-to-consumer breeders alike, though animal rescue organizations and hobby breeders are excluded from that classification.

For every certified dog or cat, subsection (c) requires the store to post on the animal's cage a notarized affidavit of verification from the source, the source's name, address and the date obtained, a description of the animal (species, breed, sex, color, markings, condition, age if known), and a log of any veterinary care received while in the dealer's custody, with a copy of the certificate also given to the buyer. The rule effectively closes Miami Beach retail stores to commercial breeders and puppy mills, channeling sales to shelters and registered nonprofits instead. The Miami Beach Police Department enforces this section specifically, rather than the code compliance department that handles most of chapter 10.