Florida Dog Bite Laws and Rules for Dangerous Dogs

Florida has some of the most strict dog bite laws in the United States. Dog owners are held responsible for any injuries that their pets may cause, whether they happen on that person’s property or in a public place. That said, there’s some leniency if the victim was trespassing, provoked the dog to attack, or ignored posted warning signs.

Dog bite laws are in place to make sure personal injury victims have a way to seek compensation for their injuries. Even if the animal has never shown any signs of aggression in the past, the rules still apply.

Specific Regulations for Dangerous Dogs

Besides general laws, the state also has regulations in place for dogs that are considered dangerous. There’s no longer an outright ban on what breeds dog owners can possess, so the rules don’t address specific breeds. Instead, a dog is considered “dangerous” if it has bitten, attacked, or threatened anyone without provocation.

Once a dog gets this label, the owner must follow stricter rules. This might entail keeping the animal in a secure, fenced-off space, posting clear warning signs on their property, or buying liability insurance to cover any future damages. The dogs must also wear a muzzle and be restrained when in public so they can’t bite anyone else. 

Potential Consequences

If the dog owner doesn’t follow these rules, they could face hefty fines at a minimum. Should their pet bite someone again, the consequences become more severe and may lead to criminal charges. In more extreme cases, the animal could be euthanized.

Legal Help After a Dog Bite

It’s important to stay informed about Florida’s dog bite laws to ensure that you know your rights and responsibilities. If you’ve been attacked by a dangerous dog, call Shrader, Mendez, & O’Connell at 813-360-1529 today.