Pet Limits: Miami vs Miami Gardens
How do pet limits rules compare between Miami, FL and Miami Gardens, FL?
Miami and Miami Gardens have similar restriction levels.
Miami, FL
Miami-Dade County
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.
View full Miami rules →Miami Gardens, FL
Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade County Code Chapter 5 caps the number of dogs and cats that may be kept at a residence in unincorporated areas, with stricter limits for multifamily dwellings and a hobby-kennel permit option for owners exceeding the threshold.
View full Miami Gardens rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Miami | Miami Gardens |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Miami-Dade §5-12 | - |
| Dog limit | 4 over 4 months | - |
| Cat limit | Nuisance-based | - |
| Kennel license | 5+ requires permit | - |
| Fosters | Permit exception | - |
| Single-family cap | - | 4 dogs / 4 cats |
| Over the cap | - | Hobby-kennel permit required |
| Inspections | - | Animal Services + zoning |
| Foster waivers | - | Approved 501(c)(3) rescues |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Miami FAQ
Can I keep five dogs on a large Miami lot?
Not without a kennel license and zoning approval. Lot size does not change the four-dog cap. Apply through Miami-Dade Animal Services for a kennel permit if you legitimately need to keep more dogs.
Are foster dogs counted in the limit?
Registered fosters with an approved Miami-Dade rescue partner may temporarily exceed the cap with a foster permit. Unregistered fosters count toward the four-dog limit and can trigger code enforcement.
Miami Gardens FAQ
Do puppies and kittens count?
Animals under four months old typically do not count toward the household limit, but litters approaching that age must be rehomed or covered by a kennel permit.
What about HOA or condo rules?
Condo and HOA bylaws can impose stricter pet caps than county code, and both the private and county rules apply simultaneously to residents.
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