Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Are Pitbulls Legal in Florida? Restrictions & Guidelines

woman holding an american pitbull dog

Pitbulls have a reputation for being vicious, dangerous dogs that shouldn’t be allowed near children nor owned as pets. Because of this, Pitbulls have long been the target of breed-specific legislation (BSL) in various parts of the United States and worldwide.

If you’re a fan of the breed and live in Florida, you may be wondering if it’s legal to own one in the Sunshine State.

Yes, it’s legal to own a Pitbull in Florida. However, several counties have strict regulations for Pitbull ownership.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

The Miami-Dade Pitbull Ban

For decades, Miami-Dade was the only county in Florida to ban Pitbulls. The ban started in 1989 when a Pitbull attacked a 7-year-old girl named Melissa Moreira while she was helping unload groceries. After the attack, owning, keeping, or harboring a Pitbull within the county limits became illegal.

The ban covered dogs that fall under the American Kennel Club’s standards for Pitbulls. This includes the American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and similar breeds. Both pure and mixed-breed dogs were affected. Violation of the ban was punishable by fines, impoundment of the Pitbull, and even criminal charges.

This legislation predated Florida’s statewide prohibition of breed-specific legislation,1 enacted in 1990. As a result, Miami-Dade County’s ban was “grandfathered” in and remained legally valid for decades.

In 2012, Miami-Dade voters upheld the Pitbull ban. However, in 2023, the ban was lifted when legislators passed a new law called “Authorization of Restrictions Concerning Dogs” that eliminated exemptions and nullified all local breed bans across the state.2

Pitbull on leash
Image Credit: Makarand Sawant, Pexels

Florida Counties With Pitbull Restrictions

Although you can legally own a Pitbull throughout Florida, several counties have imposed severe restrictions on owning one:

City/County Ordinance Restriction
Coral Gables Section 10-67 & 10-68 Confinement, Muzzle
Chipley Section 6-135 & 6-136 Confinement, Registration
Marianna Section 10-37 Confinement, Muzzle
Florida City Section 10-70 Thru 10-72 Confinement, Registration, Insurance
Sunrise Section: 4-49, 4-50 Confinement, Registration
Palm Beach County Section: 21-31-e Ban from Parks and Recreational Areas

Below is a closer look at each type of restriction on Pitbull ownership:

Confinement Restriction

This requires Pitbull owners to be confined securely either indoors or in a locked and fully enclosed pen with the following requirements:

  • All four sides must be at least six feet in height
  • A top/covering
  • A clearly visible sign that says “Dangerous Dog”

This also makes it illegal for Pitbulls to be walked within 50 feet of schools.

Muzzle Restriction

When taking a Pitbull outside, they’re legally required to be muzzled and leashed at all times. The leash can’t be longer than six feet.

Golden Pit Bull Terrier with a black leather muzzle
Image Credit: entreguin, Shutterstock

Insurance

Counties with this ordinance require Pitbull owners to get liability insurance to “protect the public and to afford relief from the severe harm and injury which is likely to result from pit bulldog attacks.”

The owner must also prove their financial capability to pay damages up to $300,000.00 for property damage, bodily injury, and other incidents.

Registration

This requires Pitbull owners to register their dogs with the county’s animal control office. If it’s a newly acquired Pit, you only have 72 hours to register it. Aside from details about the owner and the Pitbull, registration also requires proof of insurance.

Ban from Parks and Recreational Areas

In Palm Beach County, it’s illegal to bring Pitbulls into any parks and public recreation areas.

two pitbulls playing
Image Credit: Tulia Colombia Torres Hurtado, Pixabay

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Summing Up

Although Florida has made breed bans illegal and owning Pitbulls is legal across the state, some local restrictions are still in place.

If you live in the counties we discussed above, be sure you understand and follow the ordinances in your area. Aside from helping you avoid hefty fines and legal trouble, it’s also a way to keep your Pitbull safe from others who still discriminate against the breed.


Featured Image Credit: Nata Bene, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

2 Responses

  1. no type of animal should be banned from any state or any where you can't blame the animals for the way they are blame the people who raised them I have a four year old pitbull he don't have a mean bone in his body he a very lovely pitbull if was every president that one law that will be gone animals are like our children and I don't care you could published this with my name

    1. Hi Edward. We agree that animals shouldn’t be judged based on breed or reputation, sadly when certain temperaments are not properly managed accidents happen, leading legislators to make blunt decisions. But we do believe that every pet deserves a chance. It sounds like your Pitbull is a great example of that—loving and gentle and you are a great example of a pet parent. Thank you for sharing your perspective.

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

How Long Can a Dog Bark Legally in the USA? State By State Regulations

In a 2010 ordinance passed in the United States, a dog could bark for 20 minutes legally before the neighbors could file a...

golden retriever barking

What Is a Wolf Dog & Do They Make Good Pets? Ethics & Legalities

Dogs rely on us humans to care for them and make sure their needs are met in order to experience a high quality...

Wolfdog-in-the-meadow

Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in Florida in 2025

Florida is known as the Sunshine State, and it gets hot in the summertime with only a couple of months during the winter...

Golden Retriever sitting in the dirt

13 Heartbreaking Australian Puppy Mill Statistics to Know in 2025

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website. Unfortunately, unscrupulous manufacturers and sellers have...

Australia Puppy Mill Facts and Statistics

More related

16-week-old-rottweiler

To Dock or Not to Dock a Rottweiler’s Tail? Vet-Verified Legality, Ethics, Behavior

If you are getting a Rottweiler puppy, your breeder may have asked if you want their tail docked. Even though many Rottweiler owners...

aussie dog outdoors

10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Florida in 2025 (With Pictures)

Florida is home to various outdoor recreation areas, including numerous dog-friendly hiking trails. Exploring the trails with your furry friend can be a...

American Pit Bull Terrier dog standing at the park

How Much Exercise Does a Pit Bull Need? Average Requirements & Energy Levels Explained

Pit Bulls are a controversial and divisive breed that some claim are lazy, and others consider energetic. The name “Pit Bull” is given...

happy young woman cuddling australian shepherd dog while sitting on couch

How Many Dogs Are You Allowed to Own? Location & Legalities Explained

For most pet parents, one dog is all they need. However, for some of us, even two pups aren’t enough. Owning multiple dogs...

Keep reading

Raw Dog Food Diet Plan: Vet-Approved Guide to Get Started

Raw food diets for dogs are surrounded by controversy, but they’re becoming more popular among dog owners. These diets aren’t new. Racing Greyhounds and sled dogs have been eating raw diets for decades, and an Australian veterinarian, Ian Billinghurst, proposed...

Husky wolf dog excited to be fed with raw food

11 Best Dog Foods for Miniature Schnauzers in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

No two dog breeds are exactly the same. That’s why the market is ever-expanding with products that cater more to specific categories of dogs to personalize the diet experience better. As far as Miniature Schnauzers go, it might be hard...

miniature schnauzer dog standing on sofa and eating dog food from bowl

Can Dogs Eat Kale? Vet-Reviewed Facts to Know

Kale is a popular health food in America and around the world, so it’s natural to wonder if dogs can also eat kale and get the same health benefits. The short answer is yes; most dogs can eat kale in...

Can Dogs Eat_Kale

Kibbles ‘n Bits Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Kibbles ‘n Bits has a range of dry dog foods and a limited range of wet foods for dogs. The food is low priced and generally well received by owners, but a lot of its ingredients are considered...

Dogster_Kibbles ‘n Bits Dog Food Review

10 Best Dog Foods for Puggles in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

So, you did it. You welcomed a new Puggle into the family. Now you need to figure out what you need to keep him safe, happy, and healthy. The pet store has so many choices of beds, toys, crates, and...

Puggle dog outdoors

10 Best Dog Foods for Hypothyroidism in 2025 — Reviews & Top Picks

A dog’s thyroid gland is located in their neck and has two lobes, one on each side of the trachea. The thyroid is responsible for regulating the body’s metabolism. Dogs with an overactive thyroid experience hyperthyroidism, and their metabolic rate...

dog rescue sad pixabay

Wildology Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Wildology is a food brand you might not have heard of—they’re a smaller line that mostly retails through farm suppliers and midwestern stores. But just because these folks aren’t major players in the game doesn’t mean you should...

Dogster_Wildology Dog Food Review

10 Best Wet Dog Foods in Canada in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Choosing the best dog food for your best friend is an essential part of being a dog owner. While kibble has its benefits, notwithstanding the lower price, canned dog food is high in fibre and protein, low in fat, and...

shih tzu dog getting wet food from owner at kitchen