Miami Beach's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Miami Beach, Florida, there are 7 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.
Animal Hoarding
Miami Beach enforces a maximum of 10 domestic pets per household with no more than four dogs. Animal hoarding situations are addressed through Code Compliance, Animal Services, and potentially Miami-Dade County Animal Services when animal cruelty or neglect is suspected.
Key details: Pet Limit: 10 total, max 4 dogs. Animal Services: (305) 884-1101. Code Compliance: (305) 673-7555. Cruelty Law: Florida Statute 828.
Animal hoarding violations are enforced by Animal Services at (305) 884-1101 and Code Compliance at (305) 673-7555. Violators face fines for exceeding pet limits, animal cruelty charges under F.S. 828, and potential property condemnation in severe cases. Animals may be seized and placed with rescue organizations.
This is one of the stricter rules in Miami Beach's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Exotic Pets
Miami Beach prohibits most exotic and wild animal ownership under city ordinances and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulations. Pit bulls are banned, farm animals are prohibited, and exotic wildlife requires FWC permits classified by species risk level.
Key details: Domestic Pet Limit: 10 total, max 4 dogs. Pit Bulls: Banned. Farm Animals: Prohibited. FWC Permits: Class I/II/III system. Animal Services: (305) 884-1101.
Exotic pet violations are enforced by Miami Beach Animal Services at (305) 884-1101 and FWC law enforcement. Unlicensed exotic animal possession results in animal seizure and fines. Pit bull ownership carries severe civil penalties under city ordinance.
Compared to other cities, Miami Beach takes a harder line on exotic pets. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Wildlife Feeding
Miami Beach prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including feral cats, feral dogs, peafowl, iguanas, and other wild animals on public and commercial property. A registered feeder program provides controlled exceptions for community cat colony management through Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR).
Key details: Feeding Wildlife: Prohibited on public/commercial property. Iguanas: Never feed, do not leave food outside. Cat Colonies: Registered Feeder Program (TNVR). Animal Services: (305) 884-1101.
Wildlife feeding violations are enforced by Code Compliance at (305) 673-7555 and Animal Services at (305) 884-1101. Citations may be issued for feeding prohibited wildlife species. Repeat offenders face escalating fines through the Code Enforcement Board.
This is one of the stricter rules in Miami Beach's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Beekeeping
Beekeeping in Miami Beach is governed by Florida Statute 586, which preempts local governments from prohibiting beekeeping on residential property. Beekeepers must register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and follow Best Management Requirements for maintaining European honey bee colonies. HOA or deed-restricted communities may impose their own restrictions.
Key details: State Law: Florida Statute 586. Registration: Required with FDACS. Local Preemption: Cities cannot ban beekeeping. HOA Exception: HOAs may still restrict. FDACS Contact: 1-888-397-1517.
FDACS enforces beekeeping compliance through inspections. Unregistered colonies or non-compliant management practices may result in colony removal orders. Report bee-related concerns to FDACS at 1-888-397-1517.
Chickens & Livestock
Miami Beach may allow backyard chickens with limits. Roosters typically banned in residential areas. Livestock requires agricultural zoning. FL right-to-farm law protects ag uses.
Key details: Hens: Typically 4 to 6 allowed. Roosters: Usually prohibited. Livestock: Agricultural zones. Right to Farm: FL §163.3162.
Unauthorized livestock: removal order. Nuisance: $100 to $500. Roosters in prohibited areas: immediate removal.
Dog Leash Laws
Miami Beach requires dogs on leash at all times in public areas. Dogs prohibited on the beach except in designated dog beach areas. Off-leash dog parks available. Waste cleanup required under city ordinance with active enforcement.
Key details: Leash: Required at all times. Beach: Dogs prohibited most areas. Dog Parks: Off-leash areas available. Waste: Cleanup required.
Off-leash: $50 to $200. At-large: impound fees plus citation. Unlicensed: $50 to $250. Waste: $50 to $500.
Breed Restrictions
Miami Beach follows the countywide pit bull ban repeal (October 2023). FL section 767.14 preempts breed-specific legislation statewide. All dogs now regulated by behavior-based dangerous dog standards only.
Key details: Pit Bull Ban: Repealed 2023. State Law: FL section 767.14. Approach: Behavior-based only. Topic: Breed Restrictions.
Dangerous dog violations: misdemeanor to felony depending on severity. Containment failure: $500+. Severe attack: felony charges.
Miami Beach is more permissive than most cities when it comes to breed restrictions. That said, there are still limits.
The Bottom Line
Miami Beach is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Miami Beach, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
These rules come from Miami Beach's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.