Miami-Dade County, FL Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Miami-Dade County, 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
- Audibility threshold
- 100 feet from the property
- Duration trigger
- Over 30 min continuous, or three 15-min spells
- Max fine
- $500 per violation
- Max jail time
- 60 days
- Citation
- Miami-Dade County Code § 21-28(4)(c)
Summary
Miami-Dade County bans keeping a dog, animal or bird whose noise is plainly audible 100 feet away for more than 30 minutes, or three 15-minute spells over three days, under County Code § 21-28(4)(c).
The owning, harboring, possessing or keeping of any dog, animal or bird which causes frequent, habitual or long continued noise which is plainly audible at a distance of one hundred (100) feet from the building, structure or yard in which the dog, animal or bird is located. ... Noise shall be deemed to be frequent, habitual or long continued if the noise continues: for a period in excess of 30 minutes; or for at least three separate periods, each in excess of 15 minutes, provided that the periods occur within the time span of three consecutive days.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 135).
Full Breakdown
Section 21-28(4)(c) of the Code of Miami-Dade County makes it unlawful to own, harbor, possess or keep a dog, animal or bird that causes frequent, habitual or long continued noise audible 100 feet from the property. Noise counts as frequent or habitual if it runs past 30 minutes straight or hits three separate 15-minute bursts within three days. The section applies countywide. Miami-Dade Police and code enforcement handle it in unincorporated UMSA, while each of the 34 municipalities enforces its own noise rules unless it has none on file, in which case the County steps in there too. Violators face up to a $500 fine, 60 days in jail, or civil fines under Chapter 8CC.
Violations & Fines
Owning, harboring, possessing or keeping a dog, animal or bird whose barking or noise is plainly audible 100 feet away for over 30 minutes, or three 15-minute spells within three days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this noise rule apply inside Miami Beach or the City of Miami?
How is barking defined as 'frequent or habitual'?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami-Dade County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami-Dade County to another location·View the Florida noise ordinances overview
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