Moving to Pembroke Pines, FL? Here Are the Local Rules You Should Know

Pembroke Pines is a mid-sized city in Broward County, Florida, with about 171000 residents. Like most cities its size, it has a set of local rules that may differ significantly from neighboring municipalities. Here is an overview of 116 ordinances across 27 categories that affect daily life in Pembroke Pines.

Short-Term Rentals

Taxes & Fees: STR hosts in Pembroke Pines must collect and remit Florida state sales tax, Broward County Tourist Development Tax, and any applicable city taxes on short-term lodging..

Also covered: Night Caps (permissive), Registration Rules (permissive), Noise Rules (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for Pembroke Pines for details.

Outdoor Cooking

Outdoor Kitchen Permits: Outdoor kitchens in Pembroke Pines require building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permits from the Pembroke Pines Building Division under the Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023). All HVHZ design wind loads (170+ mph design wind speed) apply to roofed pergolas and freestanding structures under FBC Chapter 16, and HOA architectural review is typically required before the city permit application..

Also covered: Smoker Rules (permissive), BBQ & Propane Rules (moderate). See the full outdoor cooking guide for Pembroke Pines for details.

Accessory Structures

ADU Permits: Accessory dwelling units in Pembroke Pines are reviewed under the city's Code of Ordinances Chapter 155 (Zoning), which sets development standards for accessory uses in single-family and multi-family districts. The Pembroke Pines Building Division issues permits under the Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023) with full HVHZ compliance.

Also covered: ADU Owner Occupancy (permissive), ADU Impact Fees (moderate), ADU Rental Restrictions (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Pembroke Pines for details.

Holiday Decorations

Holiday Light Rules: Pembroke Pines has no citywide ordinance restricting residential holiday lighting at single-family homes. Outdoor circuits must comply with the Florida Building Code's electrical provisions (GFCI protection for outdoor receptacles) and amplified sound from synchronized displays must respect the city's noise rules.

Also covered: Lawn Ornament Rules (permissive), Inflatable Display Rules (permissive). See the full holiday decorations guide for Pembroke Pines for details.

Fire Regulations

Smoke Detectors: Pembroke Pines enforces smoke alarms through the 2023 Florida Building Code (adopted by reference under Code Section 150.11 with Broward County Administrative Provisions) and the 8th Edition Florida Fire Prevention Code (NFPA 1, 2021). FBC R314 / NFPA 72 require alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every story.

Also covered: Brush Clearance (moderate), Fireworks (strict), Outdoor Burning (strict). See the full fire regulations guide for Pembroke Pines for details.

Fence Regulations

Permit Requirements: Pembroke Pines requires building permits for all fence installations. Applications are available through the Building Division at City Hall or online..

Also covered: Retaining Walls (moderate), Neighbor Fence Rules (permissive), Material Restrictions (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Pembroke Pines for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Safety Rules: Pembroke Pines enforces Florida's Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (F.S. 515).

Also covered: Above-Ground Pools (moderate), Fencing Requirements (strict), Hot Tub Rules (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Pembroke Pines for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Pembroke Pines has flood-prone areas as part of South Florida's low-lying terrain. The city participates in FEMA's NFIP and regulates development in Special Flood Hazard Areas..

Also covered: Stormwater Management (moderate), Erosion Control (moderate), Coastal Development (permissive). See the full environmental rules guide for Pembroke Pines for details.

Parking Rules

RV & Boat Parking: Pembroke Pines restricts RV and boat parking in residential areas. Many HOA communities prohibit RV and boat storage.

Also covered: Street Parking Limits (moderate), Driveway Rules (moderate), EV Charging (permissive). See the full parking rules guide for Pembroke Pines for details.

Home Business

Signage Rules: Pembroke Pines prohibits business signs at home occupations. No external evidence of a home business may be visible from outside the property..

Also covered: Home Daycare (moderate), Zoning Restrictions (moderate), Customer Traffic Restrictions (moderate). See the full home business guide for Pembroke Pines for details.

Cannabis Regulations

Dispensary Zoning: Pembroke Pines prohibits medical marijuana dispensaries and treatment centers within city limits under Section 155.516 of the Land Development Code. No dispensary may be established anywhere in the city.

Also covered: Home Cultivation (strict). See the full cannabis regulations guide for Pembroke Pines for details.

Rental Property Rules

Rent Control: Pembroke Pines has no rent control ordinance. Florida preempts all local rent control under Fla.

Also covered: Just Cause Eviction (permissive), Rental Registration (permissive). See the full rental property rules guide for Pembroke Pines for details.

Garage & Yard Sales

Frequency Limits: Pembroke Pines allows one garage sale every six months per residence under Section 120.05 of the Code of Ordinances. Each sale is limited to three consecutive days.

Also covered: Garage Sale Permits (moderate), Time Restrictions (permissive). See the full garage & yard sales guide for Pembroke Pines for details.

Tree Protection

Heritage & Protected Trees: Pembroke Pines protects trees through Sections 155.672–155.675 of the Land Development Code. No tree with a 4-inch or greater trunk diameter may be removed without a permit.

Also covered: Tree Removal Permits (moderate), Tree Replacement Requirements (moderate). See the full tree protection guide for Pembroke Pines for details.

Noise Ordinances

Construction Hours: Pembroke Pines restricts construction to 7 AM–6 PM. Construction or repair work between 6 PM and 7:30 AM is prohibited if it exceeds permitted noise levels.

Also covered: Amplified Music & Events (moderate), Quiet Hours (moderate), Industrial Noise (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Pembroke Pines for details.

Animal Ordinances

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.

Also covered: Breed Restrictions (permissive), Beekeeping (moderate), Dog Leash Laws (strict). See the full animal ordinances guide for Pembroke Pines for details.

Landscaping Rules

Grass Height Limits: Pembroke Pines enforces property maintenance standards requiring regular lawn maintenance. Overgrown grass and weeds are among the most common code violations in the city..

Also covered: Weed Ordinances (moderate), Water Restrictions (moderate), Tree Trimming (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Pembroke Pines for details.

Property Maintenance

Property Blight: Pembroke Pines requires property owners to maintain exterior conditions to prevent neighborhood blight. Painted surfaces must be kept painted.

Also covered: Garage Sale Rules (moderate), Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (permissive), Trash Bin Storage (moderate). See the full property maintenance guide for Pembroke Pines for details.

Building Setbacks & Zoning

Setback Rules: Pembroke Pines establishes building setbacks through the Land Development Code Chapter 155. Setback requirements vary by zoning district as shown in the comparative table at Section 155.403.

Also covered: Lot Coverage Limits (moderate), Structure Height Limits (moderate). See the full building setbacks & zoning guide for Pembroke Pines for details.

Solar Energy

Panel Permits: Pembroke Pines requires building and electrical permits for solar panel installations. The Building Department provides a Solar Panels Checklist for permit applications.

Also covered: HOA Restrictions (permissive). See the full solar energy guide for Pembroke Pines for details.

Trash & Recycling

Bulk Item Disposal: Pembroke Pines offers bulk waste pickup twice monthly per residential unit. Collection is limited to 10 cubic yards per pickup.

Also covered: Bin Placement Rules (moderate), Pickup Rules & Schedules (moderate), Recycling Requirements (moderate). See the full trash & recycling guide for Pembroke Pines for details.

Curfew Laws

Juvenile Curfew: Broward County enforces a juvenile curfew ordinance that applies to unincorporated areas and is adopted by reference in Pembroke Pines. Minors under 18 are generally subject to curfew restrictions during late night hours on school nights.

Also covered: Park Curfew (moderate). See the full curfew laws guide for Pembroke Pines for details.

Drone Rules

Commercial Drones: Commercial drone operation in Pembroke Pines is primarily governed by FAA regulations under 14 CFR Part 107. Operators must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate.

Also covered: Recreational Drones (moderate). See the full drone rules guide for Pembroke Pines for details.

Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors

Food Truck Permits: Food truck operations in Pembroke Pines require compliance with Florida DBPR licensing, Broward County health permits, and applicable city business tax receipts. The city regulates mobile vendors through its business licensing provisions.

Also covered: Vending Zones (moderate). See the full food trucks & mobile vendors guide for Pembroke Pines for details.

Outdoor Lighting

Dark Sky Rules: Pembroke Pines does not have a specific dark sky ordinance. Outdoor lighting is regulated through the Land Development Code Chapter 155 development standards for commercial and multi-family properties.

Also covered: Light Trespass (permissive). See the full outdoor lighting guide for Pembroke Pines for details.

Sign Regulations

Garage Sale Signs: Pembroke Pines regulates garage sale signage through the garage sale permit application under Section 120.05. Signs are permitted during the authorized sale period only.

Also covered: Holiday Displays (permissive), Political Signs (permissive). See the full sign regulations guide for Pembroke Pines for details.

Soliciting & Door-to-Door

No-Knock Registry: Pembroke Pines regulates soliciting through its business licensing provisions. Section 113.09 restricts right-of-way soliciting and canvassing on major roadways and within 200 feet of specified intersections.

Also covered: Solicitor Permits (moderate). See the full soliciting & door-to-door guide for Pembroke Pines for details.

What to Do With This Information

If you are moving to Pembroke Pines, buying a home, or starting a project, use this as a starting point. Each category links to detailed pages with the full text, penalties, and FAQs. Verify anything time-sensitive with Pembroke Pines's city hall or code enforcement office.