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SB 942 — Authorization of Restrictions Concerning Dogs
by Senators Calatayud, Martin, and Rodriguez
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Community Affairs Committee (CA)
Local governments may adopt ordinances to address safety and welfare concerns stemming from dog attacks on people or domestic animals, placing restrictions and additional requirements on owners of dangerous dogs, provided that no regulations may be breed-specific. The bill adds size and weight to the prohibited dog characteristics a local government may not use to regulate dogs in its jurisdiction, and places the same restrictions on public housing authorities.
The bill also removes the provision in statute allowing local governments to enforce dog breed-specific regulations if such regulation was enacted by ordinance before October 1, 1990. Local governments known to be affected by this change include Miami-Dade County and the City of Sunrise.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect October 1, 2023.
Vote: Senate 39-1; House 116-0