Pembroke Pines's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Pembroke Pines, 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

Pembroke Pines does not impose breed-specific legislation. Florida Statute 767.14 preempts local breed-specific bans except for Miami-Dade County's grandfathered pit bull ban.

Key details: Breed Bans: Prohibited by F.S. 767.14. Exception: Only Miami-Dade County (grandfathered). Dangerous Dog Law: F.S. 767.11-767.16. Requirements: Registration, confinement, insurance.

Owners of classified dangerous dogs who fail to comply face criminal charges, significant fines, and potential destruction of the animal.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Pembroke Pines gives residents more flexibility on breed restrictions.

Beekeeping

Beekeeping in Pembroke Pines is regulated under Florida's Beekeeping Act (F.S. 586). Beekeepers must register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and follow apiary best management practices.

Key details: Registration: Required with FDACS. State Law: F.S. Chapter 586. HOA Rules: May restrict beekeeping. Protection: Registered beekeepers have state protections.

Unregistered apiaries may face FDACS enforcement. Colonies creating documented nuisances may be ordered relocated.

Dog Leash Laws

Pembroke Pines requires dogs to be on leash when off private property. All pets must be licensed with Broward County and vaccinated against rabies per Florida law.

Key details: Leash Required: Yes — when off private property. Licensing: Broward County required. Rabies Vaccine: Required per F.S. 828.30. Clean Up: Required in all public spaces.

Dogs at large are impounded. Owners face fines for leash violations. Unlicensed and unvaccinated animals incur additional penalties.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Pembroke Pines actively enforces its dog leash laws requirements.

Exotic Pets

Florida regulates exotic pets through FWC licensing. Class I animals (large cats, bears, primates) are prohibited as pets. Class II (medium exotics) require permits. Class III (small exotics) require permits for some species.

Key details: Ferrets: Legal in Florida. Class I (large): Prohibited as pets. Class II (medium): FWC permit required. Enforcement: FWC and local animal control.

Keeping prohibited animals or unpermitted Class I/II animals carries criminal penalties, fines up to $500 per offense, and confiscation.

Chickens & Livestock

Pembroke Pines prohibits keeping chickens and most livestock in residential areas. Section 155.510 of the Land Development Code regulates domesticated livestock and poultry. The city does not permit backyard chickens in standard residential zones. Chapter 91 (Animals) provides general animal control regulations. Violations are handled through Code Compliance.

Key details: Chickens in Residential: Prohibited. Roosters: Prohibited. Governing Code: LDC §155.510, Ch. 91. Enforcement: Code Compliance Unit. Contact: 954-392-2100.

Keeping prohibited livestock or poultry is a code violation under §155.510. Enforced through Code Compliance with fines under FL Statute 162.

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

Wildlife Feeding

Pembroke Pines discourages feeding of free-roaming wildlife through general nuisance and animal control provisions in Chapter 91. Broward County also regulates wildlife interactions. Feeding wildlife that creates a public nuisance or health hazard can result in code violations. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) prohibits feeding certain species including alligators under FL Statute 379.

Key details: Alligator Feeding: Illegal (FL §379.3025). Nuisance Standard: Feeding creating hazards prohibited. Governing Code: Ch. 91 + FL Statute 379. Report Issues: Code Compliance 954-431-4466. State Agency: FWC regulates wildlife.

Creating a wildlife nuisance through feeding is a code violation. Feeding alligators is a state criminal offense under FL Statute 379.

The Bottom Line

Pembroke Pines is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Pembroke Pines, 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 Pembroke Pines'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.