Miami Gardens's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Miami Gardens, 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.

Chickens & Livestock

Miami Gardens 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.

Animal Hoarding

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Key details: Pit Bull Ban: Repealed 2023.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.

Dog Leash Laws

Miami Gardens requires dogs on leash in public. Off-leash in designated parks only. Rabies vaccination required statewide under FL §828.30. License per city.

Key details: Leash: Required in public. Off-Leash: Designated parks only. Rabies: FL §828.30 required. Wildlife Risk: Alligators near water.

Off-leash: $50 to $200. At-large: impound fees plus citation. Unlicensed: $50 to $250. Waste: $50 to $500.

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.

Exotic Pets

Exotic pet ownership in Miami Gardens is regulated by both Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) licensing and Miami-Dade County Code Chapter 5. Miami-Dade County prohibits ownership of certain wild and exotic animals and requires permits for others. Class I and II wildlife require state permits and are generally prohibited in residential areas.

Key details: State Authority: FL Fish & Wildlife Commission. Class I Wildlife: Prohibited in residential areas. Class II Wildlife: Requires FWC license. Invasive Species: Prohibited (e.g., Burmese python). County Code: Miami-Dade Ch. 5 Animals and Fowl.

Keeping prohibited exotic animals is a violation of both county and state law. Penalties include fines, animal confiscation, and potential criminal charges for dangerous species.

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

Wildlife Feeding

Miami Gardens and Miami-Dade County discourage feeding wildlife. Florida law prohibits feeding certain species including bears, alligators, and sandhill cranes. The city's nuisance ordinance (Chapter 16) can be used to address wildlife attractants. Feeding feral cats is not prohibited but TNR (trap-neuter-return) is encouraged.

Key details: Feeding Alligators: Prohibited (2nd-degree misdemeanor). Feeding Bears: Prohibited under FL §379.305. Feral Cats: TNR encouraged; feeding not banned. Iguanas: County discourages feeding. Nuisance Code: Ch. 16 for wildlife attractants.

Feeding alligators is a second-degree misdemeanor with fines up to $500. Feeding bears carries penalties under Florida Statute 379.305. Creating wildlife-attracting nuisance conditions may result in code enforcement action.

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.