Boynton Beach's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Boynton Beach, Florida, there are 6 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Wildlife Feeding

Feeding alligators, sandhill cranes, bears, foxes, raccoons, and sea turtles is prohibited under FL §379 and FWC rules. Boynton Beach beachfront is sea turtle nesting habitat with lighting ordinance protections.

Key details: Gator Feed: 2nd-degree misdemeanor. Turtle Nest: May-October. Lighting Ord: Amber or shielded. Federal Law: ESA sea turtles. Authority: FWC and USFWS.

Alligator feeding: second-degree misdemeanor, up to $500 and 60 days jail. Sea turtle disturbance: federal fines up to $25,000.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Boynton Beach actively enforces its wildlife feeding requirements.

Breed Restrictions

Florida law bars Boynton Beach from passing breed-, weight-, or size-specific dog ordinances, but the City can still impose extra rules on dogs that have bitten or attacked. Locally, Sec. 4-15 lets the animal control officer declare any dog vicious after two unprovoked bites in six months or on proof of dangerous propensities.

Key details: State preemption: No breed, weight, or size rules allowed. Statute: Fla. Stat. § 767.14. Vicious declaration trigger: 2 unprovoked bites in 6 months. Local vicious-dog rule: City Code § 4-15. Max penalty: $500 civil infraction (§ 4-38).

Failing to confine, muzzle, or leash a dog declared vicious under Sec. 4-15 is a civil infraction under Sec. 4-38 punishable by up to $500 plus a $5.00 surcharge; a court may also order additional restrictions since state law does not cap what a city may require of a dog with a bite history.

Dog Leash Laws

Boynton Beach requires every dog, cat, or household pet to stay confined to its owner's property or under restraint by leash, chain, cage, or another humane means whenever it leaves that property. Running at large also caps any leash used in public at 8 feet under Sec. 4-31.

Key details: Confinement rule: Pets confined to owner's property or restrained. Public leash cap: 8 feet maximum (§ 4-31). Dog parks: 4 named parks allow leashed dogs. Park age minimum: Dog must be 4+ months old. Max penalty: $500 civil infraction (§ 4-38).

Letting a dog or cat off its owner's property without a leash, chain, cage, or competent handler violates Secs. 4-31 and 4-32 and is a civil infraction under Sec. 4-38, carrying up to a $500 penalty plus a $5.00 surcharge; the animal can also be impounded and is subject to escalating impound fees.

Exotic Pets

Boynton Beach makes it unlawful to keep, harbor, or maintain any exotic or wild animal anywhere in the City. There is no permit path in the city code itself; the ban is absolute, and violators face a civil citation with a penalty up to $500 under Sec. 4-38.

Key details: Rule: No exotic or wild animals allowed citywide. Governing section: City Code § 4-18. Max civil penalty: $500 plus $5.00 surcharge. Impound hold: At least 72 hours at city center. Appeal venue: Palm Beach County Court.

Keeping an exotic or wild animal is a civil infraction under Sec. 4-38 punishable by up to $500 plus a $5.00 training surcharge; the animal is subject to impoundment under Secs. 4-19 and 4-20. Refusing to accept a citation is a second-degree misdemeanor under F.S. §§ 775.082-.083.

Compared to other cities, Boynton Beach takes a harder line on exotic pets. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Pet Store Rules

Boynton Beach prohibits any pet store or pet supply store from selling, trading, or otherwise transferring dogs or cats within the City. Stores may still host animal shelters or rescue organizations for adoption, and the ban has applied since March 5, 2020 under Sec. 4-39.

Key details: Rule: Pet stores cannot sell dogs or cats. Adopted: Ord. No. 18-032, Dec. 4, 2018. Wind-down deadline: March 5, 2020 (18 months). Exemption: Animal shelters and rescue organizations. Enforcement: Code enforcement or civil injunction.

Selling or transferring a dog or cat through a pet store violates Sec. 4-39(b) and is enforceable under Chapter 2's administrative penalties, F.S. Chapter 162 code enforcement, or a City-initiated civil action to enjoin the violation in any court of competent jurisdiction.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Boynton Beach actively enforces its pet store rules requirements.

Beekeeping

Beekeeping is allowed in Boynton Beach under FL §586.10 state preemption. Cities cannot ban honeybee colonies. FDACS annual registration required for all beekeepers regardless of hive count.

Key details: State Preemption: FL §586.10. Registration: FDACS annual. Local Ban: Prohibited. BMPs: Required. HOAs: May restrict.

The rules around beekeeping in Boynton Beach lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Boynton Beach is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Boynton Beach, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Boynton Beach's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.