Fort Lauderdale, FL Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Fort Lauderdale, FL, also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances, define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Code of Ordinances sec. 17-7(2)
- Threshold A
- More than 5 min nonstop (avg 4 vocalizations/min)
- Threshold B
- 2+ times/min for 20 consecutive min
- Measurement
- Plainly audible at complainant's property line
- Defense
- Animal unreasonably provoked
Summary
Section 17-7(2) makes it unlawful to keep any domesticated animal whose vocalizing is plainly audible at the complainant's property line and continues more than five minutes without interruption (averaging four vocalizations per minute) or twice a minute for 20 consecutive minutes, unless the animal was unreasonably provoked.
2. Animals. Unless unreasonably provoked, it shall be unlawful for any person to own, keep, possess or maintain any domesticated animal which vocalizes (howls, yelps, barks, squawks, or other noise) and the vocalizing is plainly audible at or within the property line of the complainant; and: a. The vocalizing is for more than five (5) minutes without interruptions, defined as an average of four (4) vocalizations per minute; or b. The vocalizing is two (2) times or more per minute for twenty (20) consecutive minutes.
Full Breakdown
Fort Lauderdale Code Section 17-7(2) addresses animal noise. Unless the animal is unreasonably provoked, it is unlawful to own, keep, possess, or maintain any domesticated animal that 'vocalizes (howls, yelps, barks, squawks, or other noise)' where the vocalizing is plainly audible at or within the complainant's property line, and either (a) continues for more than five minutes without interruption - defined as an average of four vocalizations per minute - or (b) occurs two or more times per minute for 20 consecutive minutes. 'Plainly audible' is defined in Section 17-1 as any sound detectable by a person using unaided hearing. This duration-based standard is separate from the general dBA/dBC limits and is enforced on a complaint basis. Aggressive or chronic animal-nuisance cases may also fall under Broward County's animal-care regulations.
Violations & Fines
Enforced by noise control officers (including code enforcement and police) under Section 17-3; punishable under Section 17-2 by Section 1-6 / Chapter 11 penalties. Complaints are filed through the city's 311 / non-emergency line.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does a barking dog violate Fort Lauderdale's ordinance?
Does the decibel limit apply to barking?
How do I report a chronically barking dog?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Lauderdale
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Fort Lauderdale to another location·View the Florida noise ordinances overview
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Barking Dogs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Broward County handle barking dogs.