Breed Restrictions: Cape Coral vs Fort Myers
How do breed restrictions rules compare between Cape Coral, FL and Fort Myers, FL?
Fort Myers has fewer restrictions than Cape Coral.
Cape Coral, FL
Lee County
Lee County has no breed-specific dog ban, and it cannot enact one. Florida Statute 767.14 lets local governments regulate dangerous dogs but bars any regulation "specific to breed." Since October 1, 2023, local breed, weight, or size restrictions are preempted statewide.
View full Cape Coral rules →Fort Myers, FL
Lee County
Fort Myers has no breed-specific dog law. Florida Statutes § 767.14 expressly preempts local breed-specific bans: no Florida municipality or county may adopt or enforce a dog law specific to breed. Dangerous-dog enforcement in Fort Myers is conduct-based, handled by Lee County Domestic Animal Services under Fla. Stat. §§ 767.11-767.16 and Lee County Ordinance 14-22.
View full Fort Myers rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cape Coral | Fort Myers |
|---|---|---|
| Breed ban | None; state-preempted | - |
| Governing statute | FS 767.14 | - |
| Preemption strengthened | October 1, 2023 | - |
| County basis | Behavior, not breed | - |
| HOA covenants | Private, may still restrict | - |
| Breed Ban | - | None - preempted by Fla. Stat. 767.14 |
| Pit Bull Ban | - | None - prohibited statewide as of Oct. 1, 2023 |
| State Statute | - | Fla. Stat. 767.11-767.16 (Dangerous Dogs) |
| Dangerous-Dog Registration | - | $500/yr, secure enclosure, signage, microchip |
| Liability Insurance | - | $100,000 (Fla. Stat. 767.12) |
| Local Enforcement | - | Lee County Ordinance 14-22 / LCDAS |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cape Coral FAQ
Can Lee County ban pit bulls?
No. Florida Statute 767.14 preempts breed-specific local regulation, and a 2023 amendment bars any local rule based on breed, weight, or size.
Can my HOA still restrict breeds?
Possibly. HOA covenants operate under private contract law and can restrict breeds even though government ordinances cannot.
Fort Myers FAQ
Are pit bulls legal in Fort Myers?
Yes. Pit bulls and all other breeds are legal in Fort Myers. Florida Statute § 767.14 preempts every Florida city and county from adopting breed-specific bans, and 2023's SB 942 closed the prior Miami-Dade grandfather exception so no Florida jurisdiction - including Lee County - may enact a breed ban.
How does Fort Myers handle dangerous dogs?
Through individual conduct-based adjudication, not breed bans. Lee County Domestic Animal Services investigates a bite or unprovoked aggression and, under Fla. Stat. § 767.12, may classify the individual dog as 'dangerous.' That triggers owner duties: register annually ($500), maintain a secure enclosure, post warning signs, microchip, and carry $100,000 liability coverage.
Can my landlord or HOA still restrict pit bulls?
Yes. Florida's preemption applies to local government ordinances, not to private contracts. Landlords, HOA covenants, and homeowner insurers are still permitted to restrict specific breeds in their leases, deed restrictions, or policies. The preemption only stops cities and counties from doing so.
Compare other topics
See how Cape Coral and Fort Myers compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool