Animal Ordinances in Broward County, FL (2026)

6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 6 cities in Broward County, Florida.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Broward County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Chickens & Livestock

Broward County Chapter 39 limits chickens, roosters, goats, and livestock to Agricultural (A-1, A-5) and Rural Estate (RE) zoning. Typical suburban residential zones in Broward do not allow poultry or livestock.

Broward County Backyard Chickens & Livestock

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Dog Leash Laws

Broward County Section 4-11 requires dogs to be on a leash of 8 feet or less when off the owner's property. Off-leash activity is allowed only in designated dog parks. Broward Animal Care enforces at (954) 359-1313.

Broward County Dog Leash Laws

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Breed Restrictions

FL 767.14 (SB 942, effective October 1, 2023) preempts local breed-specific legislation. Broward County cannot ban any dog breed. Dangerous dog classification under FL 767 is based on individual behavior.

Broward County Breed Restrictions

Few Restrictions

Fla. Stat. § 767.14 — Additional local restrictions authorized

767.14 Additional local restrictions authorized. — 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 ani...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Beekeeping

Beekeeping is protected by FL 586.10, which preempts local bans. Broward County cannot prohibit beekeeping. Hives must be registered annually with FDACS and follow best management practices.

Broward County Beekeeping Rules

Few Restrictions

Fla. Stat. § 586.10(1) — Powers and duties of department; preemption of local government ordinances

586.10 Powers and duties of department; preemption of local government ordinances. — (1) The authority to regulate, inspect, and permit managed honeybee colonies and to adopt rules on the placement and location of registered inspected managed honeybee colonies is preempted to the state through the department and supersedes any related ordinance adopted by a county, municipality, or political su...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Wildlife Feeding

Feeding alligators, bears, raccoons, foxes, sandhill cranes, or pelicans is prohibited in Broward under FAC 68A-4.001 as a second-degree misdemeanor. Sea turtle lighting rules apply on coastal beaches.

Broward County Wildlife Feeding Rules

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Livestock

Livestock (horses, cattle, goats, pigs, sheep) in Broward is limited to Agricultural (A-1, A-5) and Rural Estate (RE) zoning districts under Chapter 39. Lot size and setback requirements apply.