If you’re a pet parent and house-hunting in this area, be aware that homeowner and condo associations each have their own pet policies in place in south Florida real estate.
Palm Beach County is particularly pet friendly, and you’ll find four dog park locations in the western suburbs of Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Lake Worth and West Palm Beach.
Most coastal towns and cities even have designated dog beaches, like the Bark Beach in Boca Raton and a 2.5-mile stretch in Jupiter. Each municipal dog friendly park or beach has its own set of permits and rules that residents can find on their respective websites in advance.
In the absence of legal requirements for pet-friendly properties in Florida, each homeowner and condo association and apartment building is permitted to create their own rules on pets. That may or may not include a weight limit; restriction on the number of pets; leash requirements and waste cleanup. Most communities have cleanup units on-site.
What does a pet friendly home mean for a prospective residential real estate buyer?
Your Lang Realty agent will know and advise you on the property you choose, so you’ll know what their documents say in advance. Many communities have revised their pet references to be more pet friendly after Covid. Some have even added solar lighting for walks after dark.
If you’re just looking for a rental before you purchase a home here, be aware that pet rules apply in apartment buildings too, as they share community spaces.
