Dogs Not Allowed on the Beach or in Parks
By: Robert C. Solera, Assistant Administrator - Building Department
and Code Enforcement & Licensing Department Director

The City of Sunny Isles Beach adopted and amended a section of Miami-Dade County’s code dealing with animals that is enforced by the City of Sunny Isles Beach’s Code Enforcement and Licensing (CEL) Department. Ordinance number 98-51 and more specifically Section 5-4 of the Miami-Dade County Code, deems it unlawful to permit or allow any dog into or upon any public park or beach. Violators are subject to an immediate fine of $50.00. This article is a reminder to all dog owners of this ordinance.

The County and City implement ordinances dealing with animals to ensure that necessary safety measures are taken to prevent the spread of parasites and diseases carried by dogs and cats. These animals transmit contagious and infectious diseases to humans such as round worms, hookworms, toxoplasmosis, and rabies. These diseases may be transmitted through contact with animal feces or through a bite.

The most common offense is dogs unleashed and running free. The majority of dog bites occur with unleashed dogs.
CEL has received numerous complaints about dogs on the beach and in the City’s parks in open violation of this section of the code within our Recreational Open Space (ROS) zoning district. The ROS district includes, but is not limited to, the public beaches on the East side of Collins and the public parks in the City. Signs posted in all City parks warn dog owners that dogs are not allowed in any of the parks.

In response to all the complaints regarding dogs on the beach and in the City’s parks, the City’s Code Enforcement Officers are conducting daily sweeps of the ROS district at various times and days of the week.

Enforcement proceedings can range from civil fines to the capture and impoundment of a loose dog. Additionally, criminal action can be brought against those who violate the Animal Cruelty and Dangerous Dog Statutes.

Florida is a no-fault state and dog owners are liable for any damage made by their dog. Penalties can include imprisonment or fines in excess of $10,000.00 as well as other civil liabilities.
Rest assured these laws are not imposed to restrict our citizen’s
and visitor’s enjoyment of their pets, but rather to ensure the safety and welfare of all.

In addition to this article, the CEL Department is sending a letter to condominium owners and associations on the East side of Collins with a copy of the relevant ordinance attached. Following this article and the mass mailing, Code Enforcement Officers will issue civil violations for the amount indicated above.

Dog owners are urged to keep their animal leashed and under close supervision of a competent person. Also, make sure that your pet is vaccinated against rabies as required by City and County law.
Direct your questions regarding this regulation to the Code Enforcement and Licensing Department at (305) 957-1305.

Did you know?

Sunny Isles Beach enforces Miami-Dade County’s Animal Control Ordinance, Chapter 5, as adopted.

• Section 5-4: Prohibits dog owners’ from bringing their dogs into any public park or public beach. Violators are subject to a minimum fine of $50.00.

• Section 5-5: Requires animal owners’ to immediately remove any animal defecation deposited by their pets on public and in some instances private property. Violators are subject to a fine of up to $200.00.

• Section 5-6a: Prohibits anyone, who owns or harbors any dog(s), from allowing their dogs to run at large unleashed onto any public and in some instances private property. Violators are subject to a fine of up to $350.00.

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