Animal Ordinances in Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)
6 verified animal ordinances for Fort Lauderdale, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Fort Lauderdale restricts chickens and livestock in residential areas under Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances. Domesticated poultry is classified as livestock and must be properly fenced. Keeping chickens is generally not permitted in standard residential zoning districts.
Fort Lauderdale Chickens & Livestock Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Fort Lauderdale requires dogs to be on a leash when off the owner's property. Broward County Animal Care enforces animal control. Dogs are prohibited on most Fort Lauderdale beaches.
Fort Lauderdale Dog Leash Laws & Off-Leash Rules
Heavy RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Fort Lauderdale does not impose breed-specific bans. Florida state law (F.S. 767.14) prohibits municipalities from enacting breed-specific legislation.
Fort Lauderdale Dog Breed Restrictions & Dangerous Dog Rules
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Beekeeping is regulated in Florida by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Fort Lauderdale permits beekeeping with registration and best practices for hive placement.
Fort Lauderdale Beekeeping Regulations
Some RestrictionsFla. Stat. Ch. 586 (Florida Honeybee Law)
Refuse the certification of any honeybees, honeybee products, or beekeeping equipment if it is determined that an unwanted race of honeybees exists, or honeybee pests exist on honeybees, honeybee products, or beekeeping equipment, or that the condition of the apiary inhibits a thorough and efficient inspection by the department. (n) Conduct, supervise, or cause the fumigation, destruction, or t...
Exotic Pets
Florida has extensive exotic animal regulations through the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Many species require permits, and certain dangerous animals are prohibited.
Fort Lauderdale Exotic Pet Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Fort Lauderdale prohibits feeding wildlife that creates a nuisance under its nuisance ordinance provisions in Chapter 18. Feeding wild animals including iguanas, raccoons, and feral cats in ways that attract them to residential areas can result in code enforcement action.
Fort Lauderdale Wildlife Feeding Restrictions
Some RestrictionsFla. Stat. § 379.412 (Feeding Wildlife Prohibited)
Title XXVIII NATURAL RESOURCES; CONSERVATION, RECLAMATION, AND USE Chapter 379 FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION Entire Chapter SECTION 412 Penalties for feeding wildlife and freshwater fish. F.S. 379.412 Fish and wildlife conservation VIII 0379.412 412 379.412 Penalties for feeding wildlife and freshwater fish. — (1)(a) The penalties in this section apply to a violation of any rule or order of th...
Looking for Broward County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fort Lauderdale city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Broward County →