Many southern Florida beaches offer recreation for both owners and their dogs. Owners, however, must adhere to proper etiquette. Leashes are generally a requirement public beaches, though dog beaches where pets can run free are growing in popularity. A code of conduct suggests that owners attempt to keep the animals away from other dogs and people. Of course, cleaning up after an animal is an essential rule to follow and may incur a fine if ignored. To avoid crowds, pet owners should consider early morning or evening beach visits.
Key West Dog Beach, a small beach about 30 feet wide, lies next to Louie's Backyard and welcomes pets. Little Duck Key allows dogs in Veteran's Memorial Park on Highway US-1. In Islamorada, Anne's Beach welcomes dogs only on a leash.
Pet owners can find four dog-friendly beaches in Fort Lauderdale. Canine Beach on Sunrise Boulevard allows dogs on the beach Fridays through Sundays from 3 to 7 p.m. in the winter and 5 to 9 p.m. in the summer. Anyone can purchase a weekend permit from the park ranger on duty. Dogs must be on a leash if not in the water. Hugh Taylor Birch State Recreation Area welcomes dogs to join their owners while engaged in activities such as fishing and swimming. Harbor Beach, located north of the Port Everglades inlet to the 17th Street Causeway, also welcomes canine family members and offers free parking.
Sanibel Island in Southwest Florida offers dog owners four options to exercise their canine friends as long as the animals are on a leash: Algiers Beach in Gulfside City Park, Bowman's Beach, Lighthouse Park Beach and Tarpon Bay Road Beach.
Visitors to Key Biscayne can take their dogs to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area located on the southern end of Key Biscayne. Canines can join owners on the nature trail or partake in other park activities. Crandon Park also invites dogs to accompany visitors while swimming, camping, fishing or walking on the nature trail. Rickenbacker Causeway Beach allow dogs on the stretch of beach from Downtown Miami to Key Biscayne beginning with a tree-lined dirt beach and ending with a sandy beach on the Key Biscayne end. The only Miami-Dade beach that allows canine companions is Hobie Beach, but the usual leash requirement is a must.
