Miami Gardens's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Miami Gardens, Florida, there are 3 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.
Pet Limits
Animal hoarding in Miami Gardens is addressed through the city's animal control ordinances and Miami-Dade County Animal Services. Exceeding permitted animal numbers or maintaining unsanitary conditions constitutes a code violation.
Key details: Animal Limits: Per city code by zone. Animal Services: Miami-Dade (305) 884-1101. Cruelty Law: F.S. 828.12. Code Compliance: (305) 622-8027. Felony Threshold: Aggravated cruelty.
Exceeding animal limits: code violation with fines starting at $50/day. Animal cruelty under F.S. 828.12: first degree misdemeanor (up to $5,000 fine, 1 year jail). Aggravated animal cruelty: third degree felony. Nuisance conditions: code enforcement abatement.
Breed Restrictions
Miami Gardens follows the countywide pit bull ban repeal (October 2023). FL section 767.14 preempts breed-specific legislation statewide. Behavior-based dangerous dog standards now apply uniformly.
Key details: Pit Bull Ban: Repealed 2023.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.
The rules around breed restrictions in Miami Gardens lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Beekeeping
Beekeeping in Miami Gardens is governed by Florida Statutes Chapter 586 (Apiary Inspection) and Miami-Dade County regulations. Florida law preempts local governments from prohibiting beekeeping on residential property but allows reasonable regulations on hive placement and management. Registration with the Florida Department of Agriculture is required.
Key details: Legal Status: Permitted (state preemption). Registration: Required with FL Dept. of Agriculture. Local Ban: Prohibited by state law. Governing Law: FL Statutes Ch. 586. Best Practices: Water source, gentle stock, setbacks.
Unregistered apiaries are subject to state enforcement. Poorly managed hives that create public nuisance conditions may be addressed through the city's nuisance abatement process under Chapter 16.
The Bottom Line
Miami Gardens'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 Miami Gardens is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Miami Gardens 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.