Hialeah, FL Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Alligator Feeding
- Illegal. FL Statute Section 372.667
- Feral Cats
- TNR program through county
- Trash Security
- Required to prevent wildlife
- Common Wildlife
- Iguanas, raccoons, muscovy ducks
- Contact
- (305) 884-1101 Animal Services
Summary
Hialeah prohibits feeding wildlife that creates public nuisances, particularly feral cats, iguanas, and waterfowl. The city's warm climate and canal systems attract significant wildlife. Miami-Dade County Animal Services enforces wildlife feeding restrictions. Trash must be secured to prevent attracting raccoons, opossums, and rodents.
The penalties in this section apply to a violation of any rule or order of the commission that prohibits or restricts: 1. Feeding wildlife or freshwater fish with food or garbage; 2. Attracting or enticing wildlife or freshwater fish with food or garbage; or 3. Allowing the placement of food or garbage in a manner that attracts or entices wildlife or freshwater fish. (b) This section does not apply to rules or orders of the commission relating to: 1. Animals held in captivity; 2. Restricting the taking or hunting of species over bait or intentionally placed or deposited food; or 3. Restricting the taking or hunting of species in proximity to feeding stations.
Full Breakdown
Hialeah's nuisance ordinances prohibit feeding wildlife in ways that create public health or safety hazards. South Florida's warm climate attracts abundant wildlife including iguanas, raccoons, opossums, muscovy ducks, and feral cat colonies. Feeding these animals attracts pest populations, creates unsanitary conditions, and may spread disease. The city requires trash containers to be properly secured to prevent wildlife access. Feral cat colony management falls under Miami-Dade County's trap-neuter-return (TNR) program through Animal Services. Feeding iguanas or encouraging their presence on property can result in nuisance citations. Muscovy duck feeding is regulated under both local ordinance and USDA/APHIS guidelines. Florida law prohibits feeding alligators (FL Statute Section 372.667), with penalties including fines and criminal charges.
Violations & Fines
Feeding alligators is a second-degree misdemeanor under FL law with fines up to $500 and 60 days jail. Local wildlife feeding violations can result in nuisance citations and fines of $50 to $250. Contact Miami-Dade Animal Services at (305) 884-1101.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed feral cats in Hialeah?
Is it illegal to feed iguanas in Hialeah?
What happens if I feed an alligator in Hialeah?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hialeah
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Wildlife Feeding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Miami-Dade County handle wildlife feeding.