By Robert C. Solera, Community Development Director

The City of Sunny Isles Beach adopted and amended Miami-Dade County’s Code regulating animals and fowl. Ordinance No. 98-51 and, more specifically Section 5-4 of the City Code of Ordinances, 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. These regulations are in place to help protect both our citizenry and their pets. The City’s Code Enforcement and Licensing Division enforces within our community this section of the code.

The Community Development Department continues to monitor for violations of this code section in the ROS (Recreational Open Space) zoning district of the City. The ROS district includes, but is not limited to, the public beaches on the East side of Collins and all other public parks. Signs have been posted in all the City parks notifying dog owners that they are in violation if they allow their dogs into any of the parks. The Department’s Enforcement Officers are actively enforcing these regulations doing daily sweeps at various times of the day and on different days of the week.



These laws are implemented to take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of parasites and diseases carried by dogs and cats that are contagious or communicable to humans. These parasites and diseases, such as round worms, hookworms, toxoplasmosis and even rabies; may be transmitted through contact with animal defecate, or through an animal bite.

Furthermore, these laws are enforced – not as an attempt to restrict the enjoyment of pet ownership – but rather to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the citizenry and visitors of Sunny Isles Beach.

The most common offense that may lead to more serious consequences is allowing your dog to run at large unleashed. The majority of dog bites occur as a result of this type of negligence on the part of the dog owner. Enforcement action can range from civil fines, to the capture and impounding 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 done by said dog. Penalties can include imprisonment or fines in excess of $10,000.00, as well as other civil liability. The best thing any dog owner can do is to ensure that their dog is kept under competent supervision, leashed, or contained in an appropriate manner. As required by City and County law, vaccinate your dog(s) and cat(s) against rabies.

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.

Local Dog Park now open to all residents of Sunny Isles Beach:

• A recently opened trial dog park called “The Bone Zone” is free to the public from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily at the Senator Gwen Margolis Park at 17815 North Bay Road. The enclosed off-leash area is located at the northeast end of the park. Parking is available for free along 178 Drive.
  
  Regional Dog Parks open to all residents of Miami-Dade County:
  
• Greynolds Park East 16700 Biscayne Boulevard 305-945-3425. Open dawn to dusk with a $5.00 entrance fee enforced on the weekends.
• Amelia Earhart Park 401 East 65th Street 305.685.8389. Open dawn to dusk. Entrance fee $5.00.