Hollywood's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

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

Breed Restrictions

Hollywood FL follows Broward County's animal ordinances under Chapter 4 (Dogs and Cats). Broward County does not maintain a breed-specific ban, unlike neighboring Miami-Dade County which bans pit bulls. Dogs must be leashed at all times when off the owner's property. Dangerous dog determinations follow Florida Statute 767.

Key details: Breed Ban: None in Broward County. State Law: FL §767 — behavior-based classification. Dangerous Dog: Registration + insurance required. Leash Requirement: All dogs, all public places. Enforcement: Broward County Animal Care.

Owners of unregistered dangerous dogs face fines and potential impoundment. Failure to comply with dangerous dog requirements is a misdemeanor under Florida law.

Beekeeping

FL §586.10 preempts local governments from banning beekeeping. Cities cannot prohibit beekeeping. FDACS (FL Dept. of Agriculture) regulates. Annual hive registration required with FDACS. HOAs may still impose restrictions.

Key details: State Law: FL §586.10 — cities cannot ban beekeeping. Registration: Annual FDACS registration required. Local Ban: Prohibited by state preemption. HOAs: May still restrict beekeeping via CC&Rs.

Unregistered colonies: FDACS enforcement. Diseased or Africanized colonies may be destroyed. HOA violations handled through HOA processes, not city enforcement.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Hollywood gives residents more flexibility on beekeeping.

Exotic Pets

Florida FWC regulates exotic pets via Class I/II/III permit system. Class I (lions, tigers, bears) prohibited as pets. Class II (macaques, wolves, alligators) require FWC permit. Class III (most reptiles, small mammals) legal for personal use without permit.

Key details: State Law: FL §379.303 (FWC exotic species permits). Class I: Prohibited as pets (lions, tigers, bears). Class II: FWC permit required. Class III: No permit for personal use.

Possessing Class I wildlife as a personal pet: state violation. Possessing Class II or III without proper license: FWC citation. Local violations handled by Code Enforcement.

This is one of the stricter rules in Hollywood's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Wildlife Feeding

Wildlife feeding in Hollywood FL is discouraged. Florida law prohibits feeding alligators (second-degree misdemeanor) and bears (F.S. 379.305). The city's nuisance provisions address wildlife attractants. Feeding iguanas is discouraged as they are invasive. Feral cat TNR programs are supported by Broward County.

Key details: Feeding Alligators: Prohibited (2nd-degree misdemeanor). Feeding Bears: Prohibited (FL §379.305). Iguanas: Invasive — may be removed without permit. Feral Cats: TNR programs supported. Bird Feeders: Permitted if sanitary.

Feeding alligators: second-degree misdemeanor with fines up to $500. Feeding bears: penalties under F.S. 379.305. Creating wildlife nuisance conditions may result in code enforcement action.

Chickens & Livestock

Hollywood FL Chapter 92 (Animals) generally prohibits keeping animals and fowl within city limits with specific exceptions. Domestic pets (dogs, cats, miniature Vietnamese potbellied pigs) are permitted. Chickens and other fowl may be kept under limited conditions. Livestock of the equine, bovine, or swine class is prohibited in most residential areas.

Key details: Chickens: Permitted under conditions (§92.04). Livestock: Generally prohibited in residential. Tethering: Prohibited 10 AM – 5 PM. Pets: Dogs, cats, potbellied pigs permitted. Governing Code: Ch. 92 Animals.

Keeping prohibited animals is a code violation. Animal tethering violations and failure to properly contain animals result in citations. Repeat violations may lead to animal impoundment.

This is one of the stricter rules in Hollywood's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Dog Leash Laws

All dogs in Hollywood FL must be on a leash not exceeding six feet in length when off the owner's property per Chapter 92 and Broward County Code Section 4-3. Dogs may not run at large. It is illegal to tie or tether a dog so that it has access to public property or another person's property.

Key details: Leash Length: 6 feet maximum. At Large: Prohibited. Tethering to ROW: Prohibited if dog can access public. Rabies Vaccine: Annual — required. Registration Tag: Must be worn at all times.

Dogs at large may be impounded by Animal Control. Owners face fines for leash violations. Failure to license or vaccinate carries additional penalties.

This is one of the stricter rules in Hollywood's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Hollywood 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 Hollywood, 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 Hollywood'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.