TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A new layout Florida’s “dangerous dog” law will effectively prevent local governments from banning specific dog breeds like German shepherds or pit bulls starting in October.
Currently, a county can prohibit owners from having a dog over a certain weight or size if the dog poses a safety and welfare concern following an attack, provided the order is not not breed specific. But that is about to change.
Starting October 1, 2023, the new law will add weight and height to the prohibited subjects in addition to race.
Public housing authorities will, however, be allowed to adopt dangerous dog policies, but they cannot be specific to breed, size or weight.
Finally, the bill removes the grandfathering provision that allowed local governments to enforce regulations specific to dog breeds adopted before October 1, 1990. This change effectively overrides existing Miami-Dade County and the town of Sunrise on “pit bull” owners. dogs.”
The law was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on June 16, 2023. See the full list new laws coming into force on October 1, 2023.