Deerfield Beach Clarifies Rules: Animals, Vehicles, Property

Deerfield Beach residents, particularly those in Century Village East (CVE), should be aware of updated community rules concerning animals, vehicle access and property use. These guidelines aim to enhance safety, uphold property standards and clarify entry procedures.

CVE Master Management property permits only service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA specifies service animals as dogs individually trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities, such as guiding the blind, alerting the deaf or assisting with seizures. The ADA does not consider dogs that provide comfort or emotional support as service animals. Florida Statute 775.083(9) classifies knowingly misrepresenting oneself as using a service animal as a second-degree misdemeanor.

Outside of CVE property, Deerfield Beach Code of Ordinances Section 10-6 A through D requires all dogs on public thoroughfares, streets, parks or other public places to be on a leash no longer than ten feet. Exceptions exist for dogs engaged in supervised hunting in authorized areas or those assisting blind or handicapped individuals. Owners must prevent dogs from running at large and must muzzle dogs exhibiting vicious behavior. The code also prohibits owners from allowing spayed or neutered dogs to stray onto public or private property without consent.

For vehicle access within Century Village East, residents require a working, valid barcode, CVE ID or Photo ID with a CVE address for entry. Only vehicles with a valid barcode may use the resident barcode travel lane. Residents without a valid barcode must use the visitor lane and present a CVE ID or Photo ID with a CVE address. Security will confiscate CVE IDs from residents using the barcode lane without a valid barcode. Confiscated IDs can be retrieved at the ID Office in Clubhouse 24 hours after confiscation.

Non-residents and vendors must present a valid, physical driver's license for gate entry and require authorization via a resident's call to security. Passports or driver's license photos are not accepted. Realtors must present their realtor license, physical driver's license and have prospective buyers in the vehicle to gain access. Individuals or vehicles refused gate entry who do not leave will be considered trespassers. Invalid CVE ID cards displayed by non-owners will be confiscated.

Deliveries and contractors are permitted within the village Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Certain vehicles are prohibited within CVE, including RVs, motor homes, recreational vehicles, boats, boat trailers, jet skis and campers.

CVE Master Management has strict rules regarding water usage. Associations may not use city water for anything other than routine power washing without written permission from CVE Master Management. Personal or individual use of city water for lawn watering or vehicle washing is prohibited.

Fishing, swimming, wading or boating are generally prohibited on CVE Master Management property. The only exception is fishing from the concrete walkway along the railing at the West Drive Bridge.

Residents with questions should consult the Deerfield Beach Code of Ordinances or ADA guidelines.