Animal Ordinances in Miami, FL (2026)
13 verified animal ordinances for Miami, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
The City of Miami allows up to 15 hens and 30 growing chicks under Chapter 6, Article III. Roosters are prohibited. A county health unit permit is required. Coops must be 100 feet from dwellings.
Miami Backyard Chickens & Livestock
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Dogs in the City of Miami must be leashed when off private property under Miami-Dade County Code Section 5-20. Unsterilized dogs at large: $150 fine. Sterilized: $50. Off-leash allowed only in designated dog parks.
Miami Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
No breed restrictions in the City of Miami. The former Miami-Dade pit bull ban was repealed statewide October 1, 2023. FL §767.14 preempts all breed-specific legislation. All dogs regulated by behavior-based standards.
Miami Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Beekeeping in the City of Miami requires FDACS registration. Hives within 15 feet of property lines need a 6-foot flyway barrier. FDACS has authority to preempt local beekeeping bans except by HOAs.
Miami Beekeeping Regulations
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Exotic pet ownership in Miami is regulated by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission classes and City of Miami Chapter 6. Class I wildlife (large predators) is prohibited for personal use. Class II and III animals require FWC permits and city compliance.
Miami Exotic Pet Ownership Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Miami restricts the feeding of wildlife including iguanas, raccoons, feral cats, and waterfowl to prevent congregation, property damage, and public health risks. Florida law additionally prohibits feeding certain protected species like manatees and alligators.
Miami Wildlife Feeding Restrictions
Some RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Miami addresses animal hoarding through Chapter 6 of the City Code and Miami-Dade County animal cruelty provisions. Hoarding is defined as collecting animals and failing to provide humane care, resulting in unsanitary or hazardous living conditions.
Miami Animal Hoarding Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsPet Limits
Miami-Dade County Code Chapter 5 limits residential households to no more than four dogs over four months old without a kennel license, regardless of property size. Cats are limited by nuisance standard rather than fixed count. Miami follows the county rule.
Miami-Dade Caps Most Households at Four Dogs
Some RestrictionsMiami-Dade Animal Services — Hobby Breeder, Pet Dealer, Kennel licenses and Dangerous Dogs Registry
Hobby Breeder License: Active members of a national, state, or local breeder organization that houses or breeds dogs or cats in or on the property of a private residence must apply for a Hobby Breeder License. ... Pet Dealer License: Pet Dealer Licenses are issued for anyone who sells more than two litters or 20 dogs or cats per year, whichever is greater. Kennel License: Kennel licenses are is...
Cat Rules
Miami-Dade County Code Chapter 5 controls all cats inside Miami city limits, requiring rabies vaccination, county license tag, and prohibiting cats from running at large. Trap-Neuter-Return colonies must be registered with Animal Services to receive enforcement protection.
Miami-Dade Cat Licensing and Roaming Rules
Some RestrictionsMiami-Dade Animal Services — Licenses, Tags, and Regulations
Cat License: You can buy a license for your cat at the Pet Adoption and Protection Center or at any of the 311 Service Centers. ... Dog License (Tag): You can buy or renew a dog license at your local veterinarian's office, the Pet Adoption and Protection Center or any one of the 311 Service Centers. Dog Licenses are required for all dogs over four months of age. ... Leash Law: When a dog goes o...
Mandatory Spay/Neuter
Miami-Dade County Code requires sterilization of all owned dogs and cats over six months unless the owner buys an annual unaltered-animal permit and meets breeder standards. The rule applies inside Miami because the city defers to county Animal Services for animal control.
Miami-Dade Mandatory Spay/Neuter for Most Pets
Heavy RestrictionsMicrochipping
Miami-Dade County Code Chapter 5 requires every dog or cat adopted from, or reclaimed by, county Animal Services to be microchipped before release. Miami residents follow this county rule. Microchip registration must list the current owner address and phone.
Miami-Dade Microchip Required on Adoption and Reclaim
Some RestrictionsMiami-Dade Animal Services — Adoption sterilization/microchip requirements and License Tag/Microchip Registry
All pets adopted from Miami-Dade Animal Services undergo basic vetting and include sterilization, vaccinations and microchip. ... License Tag or Microchip Registry: Quickly access crucial details about your pet's identification with our License Tag/Microchip look up service. ... Dog License: License tags are required for all dogs. Tags must be renewed one year from the last date of purchase. It...
Coyote Management
Coyotes are now established across Miami-Dade County. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission classifies coyotes as year-round huntable wildlife on private land. Miami and Miami-Dade prohibit intentional wildlife feeding, which keeps coyotes from habituating to humans.
Florida FWC Manages Coyotes; Miami Bans Feeding
Some RestrictionsPet Store Rules
Florida Statute §823.15 sets minimum care and sourcing rules for pet stores and, after a 2023 amendment, preempts local bans on retail dog and cat sales. Miami's earlier puppy-mill ordinance was nullified, leaving only state-level humane sourcing requirements for stores.
Florida Preempts Pet Store Sale Bans Statewide
Few RestrictionsLooking for Miami-Dade County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Miami city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Miami-Dade County →