Delray Authority Apologizes For Social Media Dog Post

Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority Seems To Promote Lawbreaking. Then Apologizes.

DELRAY BEACH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2025 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — The Downtown Delray Development Authority Monday posted a bizarre statement to Facebook, suggesting that restaurants, hotels, and shops in “Downtown Delray” are welcoming to dogs. The problem: permitting dogs in establishments that serve or sell food is a violation of Florida law — unless it’s a legitimate service animal trained to provide a medical function. Emotional Support Animals are NOT service animals. The DDA later apologized for the misleading statement. Here’s the post sent to us by several BocaNewsNow.com readers:

We reached out to the Downtown Development Authority which acknowledged the error and clarified its intent. According to Executive Director Laura Simon, the post was intended to promote that Delray Beach establishments often have bowls of water OUTSIDE, but specify that animals are not permitted inside.

“Downtown Delray is a pet-friendly community, home to over 2,000 residents — and many of their pets as well,” said Simon in a statement to BocaNewsNow.com. “That’s why you’ll often see water bowls placed outside stores and restaurants, and why most of our local hotels welcome dogs. Please note, however, that while pets are welcome in many outdoor spaces, they are not allowed inside restaurants.”

Florida Statute 413.08 states that lying about a service animal is a punishable offense; “A person who knowingly and willfully misrepresents herself or himself, through conduct or verbal or written notice, as using a service animal and being qualified to use a service animal or as a trainer of a service animal commits a misdemeanor of the second degree.”

“We’ll ensure that future posts are more specific,” said Simon.