Animal Ordinances in Boynton Beach, FL (2026)
6 verified animal ordinances for Boynton Beach, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dog Leash Laws
Boynton Beach requires every dog, cat, or household pet to stay confined to its owner's property or under restraint by leash, chain, cage, or another humane means whenever it leaves that property. Running at large also caps any leash used in public at 8 feet under Sec. 4-31.
Boynton Beach Leash Law for Dogs and Cats
Some RestrictionsBoynton Beach Code of Ordinances § 4-32
It shall be unlawful for any person who is the owner, keeper or harborer of any dog, cat or household pet or other animal to permit or allow such animal to be off such person's private property, unless such animal is under the restraint or control of a competent person who is physically capable of restraining and controlling the animal, by means of a chain, leash, cage, or other humane means of...
Breed Restrictions
Florida law bars Boynton Beach from passing breed-, weight-, or size-specific dog ordinances, but the City can still impose extra rules on dogs that have bitten or attacked. Locally, Sec. 4-15 lets the animal control officer declare any dog vicious after two unprovoked bites in six months or on proof of dangerous propensities.
Boynton Beach Dangerous Dog Rules and Breed Preemption
Some RestrictionsFla. Stat. § 767.14
This act does not limit any local government or public housing authority from adopting an ordinance or a policy, respectively, to address the safety and welfare concerns caused by attacks on persons or domestic animals; placing further restrictions or additional requirements on owners of dogs that have bitten or attacked persons or domestic animals; or developing procedures and criteria for the...
Beekeeping
Beekeeping is allowed in Boynton Beach under FL §586.10 state preemption. Cities cannot ban honeybee colonies. FDACS annual registration required for all beekeepers regardless of hive count.
Animals: Beekeeping
Few RestrictionsFla. Stat. ch. 586 (Florida Honey Certification and Honeybee Law)
586.01 Short title. - This chapter shall be known as the “Florida Honey Certification and Honeybee Law.” History. - s. 9, ch. 28167, 1953; s. 1, ch. 86-62. 586.02 Definitions. - As used in this chapter: (1) “Apiary” means a beeyard or site where honeybee hives, honeybees, or honeybee equipment is located. (2) “Apiculture” means the raising, caring for, and breeding of honeybees. (3) “Beekeeping...
Exotic Pets
Boynton Beach makes it unlawful to keep, harbor, or maintain any exotic or wild animal anywhere in the City. There is no permit path in the city code itself; the ban is absolute, and violators face a civil citation with a penalty up to $500 under Sec. 4-38.
Boynton Beach Bans Exotic and Wild Animal Pets
Heavy RestrictionsBoynton Beach Code of Ordinances § 4-18
It shall be unlawful to keep, maintain or pasture horses, cattle, mules, goats, sheep, swine, fowl, poultry, or other livestock within the City. It shall be unlawful to keep, harbor or maintain any exotic or wild animal within the City.
Wildlife Feeding
Feeding alligators, sandhill cranes, bears, foxes, raccoons, and sea turtles is prohibited under FL §379 and FWC rules. Boynton Beach beachfront is sea turtle nesting habitat with lighting ordinance protections.
Animals: Wildlife Feeding
Heavy RestrictionsFla. Stat. § 379.412 (Wildlife Feeding Penalties)
379.412 Penalties for feeding wildlife and freshwater fish. - (1)(a) The penalties in this section apply to a violation of any rule or order of the commission that prohibits or restricts: 1. Feeding wildlife or freshwater fish with food or garbage; 2. Attracting or enticing wildlife or freshwater fish with food or garbage; or 3. Allowing the placement of food or garbage in a manner that attract...
Pet Store Rules
Boynton Beach prohibits any pet store or pet supply store from selling, trading, or otherwise transferring dogs or cats within the City. Stores may still host animal shelters or rescue organizations for adoption, and the ban has applied since March 5, 2020 under Sec. 4-39.
Boynton Beach Bans Retail Pet Stores Selling Dogs, Cats
Heavy RestrictionsBoynton Beach Code of Ordinances § 4-39
Retail sales of dogs and/or cats prohibited. No pet store or pet supply store shall display, sell, trade, deliver, barter, lease, rent, auction, give away, transfer, offer for sale or transfer, or otherwise dispose of dogs or cats within the City. ... Effective date. Any pet store or pet supply store that is lawfully operating on the effective date of this section [from which this section deriv...
Looking for Palm Beach County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Boynton Beach city rules.
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