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Animal Ordinances in West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

7 verified animal ordinances for West Palm Beach, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Chickens & Livestock

Backyard chickens are generally prohibited in West Palm Beach single-family residential zones. Roosters always banned. Limited hen-keeping may be allowed on parcels of 1+ acre with a special exception.

Animals: Chickens Backyard

Heavy Restrictions

Dog Leash Laws

All dogs in West Palm Beach must be leashed (maximum 6 feet) when off the owner's property under Palm Beach County Code Chapter 4, Article II. Off-leash allowed only in designated dog parks such as Pawcific Park at Currie Park.

Animals: Dog Leash Laws

Some Restrictions

Breed Restrictions

No breed-specific bans in West Palm Beach. FL §767.14 preempts all local breed-specific legislation statewide. Pit bulls, Rottweilers, and other breeds are legal subject to general dangerous dog rules.

Animals: Breed Restrictions

Few Restrictions

Fla. 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 West Palm Beach under FL §586.10 state preemption. Cities cannot ban beekeeping. Annual registration with Florida Department of Agriculture (FDACS) is mandatory for all colonies.

Animals: Beekeeping

Few Restrictions

Fla. Stat. ch. 586 (Beekeeping; Florida Honey Bee Act)

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 equipment” means honeybee hives, frames, supers, pallets, queen excluders, and other equipment which is used in the cultivation of honeybees and the harvesting of products produced by honeybees. (4) “Certifi...

Exotic Pets

Exotic and wildlife species are regulated by FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under FL §379. Class I wildlife (large cats, bears, primates) banned as pets. Class II requires FWC permit. Reptiles over certain sizes restricted.

Animals: Exotic Pets

Heavy Restrictions

Wildlife Feeding

Feeding wildlife is illegal under FL §379.412 and PBC Code. Particularly enforced for alligators, raccoons, and sandhill cranes. Intracoastal Waterway and Lake Mangonia residents are common offenders.

Animals: Wildlife Feeding

Heavy Restrictions

Fla. Stat. § 379.412

(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 attracts or entices wildlife or freshwater fish. (b) This section doe...

Pet Limits

West Palm Beach allows up to 4 dogs and 4 cats per single-family household under PBC Code Chapter 4. Households exceeding the limit need a Multiple Animal Permit from PBC Animal Care.

Animals: Pet Limits

Some Restrictions

Looking for Palm Beach County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement West Palm Beach city rules.

Animal Ordinances in Palm Beach County