No statewide leash law

Florida dog leash laws.

◦ Summary

Florida has no statewide dog leash law. Leashing rules are set by individual cities and counties, and most municipalities require dogs to be leashed in public except inside designated off-leash dog parks.

◦ Notes & gotchas

Day-to-day leashing requirements live in city or county ordinances. Before relying on this page, look up the specific code for your municipality — it's the binding rule, not state law. Most US cities require dogs to be leashed in public unless inside a designated off-leash area. Florida law (F.S. § 828.28) addresses rabies-control confinement, but day-to-day leashing is a municipal matter. Miami-Dade County (Chapter 5 of the Code of Ordinances) has detailed leash requirements; most other counties and cities follow similar models.

Last reviewed May 2026. Not legal advice — verify with your municipality before relying on it.