Coral Springs's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Coral Springs, 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.

Beekeeping

Beekeeping in Coral Springs is governed by Florida Statute 586 which preempts local regulation of managed bee colonies. The state requires registration with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Local nuisance ordinances may still apply if bees cause public safety concerns.

Key details: State Law: F.S. 586, FDACS regulated. Registration: Required with FDACS. Equipment: Movable-frame hives only. Local Restrictions: Nuisance rules may apply.

Unregistered hives violate state law and may be subject to FDACS enforcement action. Local nuisance complaints may result in code compliance action with civil penalties up to $500. Neglected colonies creating a public hazard may be ordered removed.

Breed Restrictions

Coral Springs does not impose breed-specific restrictions. Florida state law prohibits local governments from enacting breed-specific legislation. However, Section 4-18 allows classification of individual dogs as vicious based on behavior, regardless of breed.

Key details: Breed Bans: None, prohibited by FL law. Vicious Dog Section: Sec. 4-18. Investigation: Police Dept. conducts. State Law: F.S. 767.14.

Owners of dogs classified as vicious who fail to comply with containment requirements face civil penalties up to $500 and potential impoundment of the animal. Repeated dangerous behavior may result in a dangerous dog classification under Florida Statute 767.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Coral Springs gives residents more flexibility on breed restrictions.

Wildlife Feeding

Section 4-20 of the Coral Springs Code of Ordinances makes it unlawful to feed or entice any wild animal including raccoons, foxes, opossums, and ducks. Stray and feral cats are also classified as wild animals. Wild bird feeders on private property are the only exception.

Key details: Code Section: Sec. 4-20. Prohibited: Feeding all wild animals. Feral Cats: Classified as wildlife. Exception: Bird feeders on property.

Violations of Section 4-20 carry civil penalties up to $500. Repeat offenders face escalating fines through the code enforcement board. Persistent feeding that creates wildlife nuisances may result in additional charges.

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

Chickens & Livestock

Coral Springs prohibits keeping livestock including chickens, ducks, geese, hogs, pigs, emus, horses, mules, goats, and sheep as pets in most zoning districts. Only RS-1 (rural residential) zoning may allow limited livestock. Community petitions have sought to change the chicken prohibition.

Key details: Chickens: Prohibited in most zones. All Livestock: Prohibited as pets. Exception: RS-1 zoning only. Penalty: Up to $500 per violation.

Keeping prohibited livestock results in a notice of violation from Code Compliance. Civil penalties up to $500 per violation. Animals may be required to be removed from the property within a specified timeframe. Continued violations lead to code enforcement board hearings.

Compared to other cities, Coral Springs takes a harder line on chickens & livestock. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Dog Leash Laws

Coral Springs Chapter 4 requires all dogs to be on a leash not exceeding 10 feet when on public streets, public places, or property other than the owner's. Dogs found at large may be seized and impounded, and owners face citations with civil penalties up to $500.

Key details: Leash Length: 10 feet maximum. At-Large Penalty: Up to $500 per offense. Impoundment: Yes, for at-large animals. Code Section: Chapter 4, Animal Control.

At-large violations result in citations with civil penalties up to $500 per offense. Animals may be impounded. Owners must pay impoundment fees plus daily boarding costs to reclaim animals. Repeat violations face escalating fines through the code enforcement board.

Compared to other cities, Coral Springs takes a harder line on dog leash laws. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Exotic Pets

Exotic pet ownership in Coral Springs is primarily regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). A Class I, II, or III wildlife license is required depending on species. Section 4-5 of the Coral Springs Code regulates general animal keeping, and nuisance provisions apply to all animals.

Key details: Licensing: FWC Class I/II/III required. Class I: Effectively prohibited. Class III: Free personal pet license. Local Code: Sec. 4-5, nuisance rules.

Keeping exotic animals without proper FWC licensing is a state violation with penalties including fines and animal seizure. Local nuisance violations carry civil penalties up to $500. Animals posing a public safety threat may be immediately impounded.

The Bottom Line

Coral Springs 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 Coral Springs, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Coral Springs can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.