Hialeah's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Hialeah, 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.

Exotic Pets

Exotic pet ownership in Hialeah is governed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) classification system. Class I animals (large predators) are prohibited as pets. Class II animals require substantial permits and enclosures. Class III animals (smaller exotics) require a free FWC permit. Local nuisance ordinances also apply.

Key details: Class I: Prohibited as pets. Class II: Permit + enclosure required. Class III: Free FWC permit required. Invasive Species: Pythons, iguanas restricted. Contact: (305) 884-1101 Animal Services.

Keeping Class I animals as pets is a third-degree felony under FL law. Class II violations carry misdemeanor charges and fines. Escaped exotic animals may result in capture costs billed to the owner plus fines. Contact FWC at (888) 404-3922 or Miami-Dade Animal Services at (305) 884-1101.

Wildlife Feeding

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.

Key details: 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.

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.

Beekeeping

Beekeeping in Hialeah requires FDACS registration. Flyway barrier of 6 feet needed if hives within 15 feet of property line. FDACS preempts local bans except HOAs.

Key details: Registration: FDACS. Barrier: 6 ft if within 15 ft. HOAs: May prohibit. Preemption: FDACS overrides local. Marking: Firm number on hives.

Unregistered hives violate FDACS. Non-compliant barriers may trigger complaints.

Chickens & Livestock

Hialeah allows up to four chickens per residential property with a permit. Roosters prohibited. Coops must be in rear yard, 15 feet from neighbors and 5 feet from property lines.

Key details: Limit: 4 chickens. Roosters: Prohibited. Coop Location: Rear yard. Neighbor Distance: 15 ft. Property Line: 5 ft.

Keeping chickens without a permit, exceeding limits, or keeping roosters are code violations.

Breed Restrictions

No breed restrictions in Hialeah. The former Miami-Dade pit bull ban was repealed statewide Oct 1, 2023. FL §767.14 preempts all breed-specific legislation.

Key details: Breed Bans: None. Repealed: Oct 1, 2023. Standard: Behavior-based. HOAs: May restrict. State Law: FL §767.14.

No breed penalties. Dangerous dog violations: behavior-based only.

Hialeah is more permissive than most cities when it comes to breed restrictions. That said, there are still limits.

Dog Leash Laws

Dogs in Hialeah must be leashed off private property under Miami-Dade Section 5-20. Unsterilized: $150 fine. Sterilized: $50. Off-leash in designated parks only.

Key details: Leash: Required public. Unsterilized: $150. Sterilized: $50. Off-Leash: Dog parks only. Code: §5-20.

Unsterilized: $150. Sterilized: $50. Escalating for repeats.

The Bottom Line

Hialeah's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Hialeah is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Hialeah's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.