Animal Ordinances in Delray Beach, FL (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Delray Beach, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Delray Beach allows up to 4 hens on single-family residential lots with a permit. Roosters are prohibited. Coops must be 15 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring dwellings.
Animals: Chickens Backyard
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
All dogs in Delray Beach must be leashed (6 ft maximum) in public spaces per Palm Beach County Code Chapter 4. Dogs prohibited on Delray Beach public beach between sunrise and sunset year-round.
Animals: Dog Leash Laws
Heavy RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Delray Beach has NO breed-specific restrictions. Florida Statute §767.14 preempts all local breed bans statewide. Pit bulls, Rottweilers, and all breeds are legal.
Animals: Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Beekeeping is legal in Delray Beach under Florida Statute §586.10 preemption. Cities cannot ban beekeeping. FDACS annual registration is required for all Florida beekeepers.
Animals: Beekeeping
Few RestrictionsFla. Stat. Sec. 586.10 (Powers and Duties of Department; Preemption of Local Government Ordinances)
The authority to regulate, inspect, and permit managed honeybee colonies and to adopt rules on the placement and location of registered inspected managed honeybee colonies is preempted to the state through the department and supersedes any related ordinance adopted by a county, municipality, or political subdivision thereof. (2) The department shall:(a) Administer and enforce this chapter. (b) ...
Exotic Pets
Exotic pets in Delray Beach are governed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Class I, II, and III permit system. Class I species (big cats, bears, great apes) are prohibited as personal pets statewide.
animals/exotic-pets
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Feeding alligators, bears, foxes, raccoons, and sandhill cranes is illegal under FL §379.412 and FWC Rule 68A-4.001. Delray Beach's coastal proximity makes feeding sea birds and beach wildlife a particular concern. Sea turtle nesting protections apply March-October.
animals/wildlife-feeding
Heavy RestrictionsFla. Stat. Sec. 379.412 (Penalties for Feeding Wildlife and Freshwater Fish)
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 attracts or entices wildlife or freshwater fish. (b) This section does not ap...
Pet Limits
Delray Beach limits single-family households to 4 dogs and 4 cats (8 total domestic animals). Multi-unit dwellings are typically limited to 2 pets per unit. Kennels require special zoning approval under LDR Appendix A.
animals/pet-limits
Some RestrictionsLooking for Palm Beach County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Delray Beach city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Palm Beach County →