As of October 1, a new layout Florida’s “dangerous dog” law will effectively prevent local governments from banning specific dog breeds like German shepherds or pit bulls.
This is just one of many laws come into force 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.
The new law, which was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on June 16, will add weight and height to the prohibited subjects in addition to race.
There is a caveat, however.
Public housing authorities could still adopt policies regarding dangerous dogs, but they might not be specific to breed, size or weight.
The bill will remove the grandfathering provision that allowed local governments to enforce dog breed-specific regulations adopted before October 1, 1990.
This change effectively overrides existing Miami-Dade County and City of Sunrise restrictions on pit bull dog ownership.