Yes, an HOA (Homeowners Association) can impose restrictions on the type and number of pets allowed in a household. HOAs operate based on community guidelines and bylaws, which homeowners agree to when purchasing property within the association.
Florida Prohibits Public Housing Policies that Restrict Dogs Based on Breed, Size, or Weight.
HOAs often forbid or strictly limit the number of animals residents can have. You may be allowed no dogs, or only one dog, or up to two dogs so long as each one weighs less than 35 pounds, or only dogs that belong to certain breeds. Cats, birds, and other pets may be similarly limited or restricted.
The HOA cannot impose pet restrictions on these animals. They are not allowed to refuse certain breeds, weights, or sizes. Service animals are also allowed in all areas of the property. As standard practice, the HOA can ask for service animal documentation.
Florida adopted a new dangerous dog law that went into effect on October 1, 2023. This new law prevents local governments and public housing authorities from adopting policies or ordinances that designate a dog as dangerous based solely on its breed, size, or weight.
Typically, a condo association can't deny a service dog access to the property where all the legal requirements have been met. The COA can't ask a person with a disability accompanied by a service animal to provide documentation about their disability or request to instruct the animal to demonstrate its work.
The HOA cannot impose pet restrictions on these animals. They are not allowed to refuse certain breeds, weights, or sizes. Service animals are also allowed in all areas of the property. As standard practice, the HOA can ask for service animal documentation.
What are unenforceable HOA rules? Keep you out of court. Hush up litigation. Discriminate indiscriminately. Enter your home without cause or notice. String you out on the (clothes)line. Fine you for fun. Change rules on the fly. Demand you take down your dish.
The remaining states allow a household to own one to six dogs. Some states set a limit for all pets in the household, so other animals would be included in this number. California allows a household to own more that the limit of four dogs if they apply for a kennel permit.