Florida · Dog Bites
Dog bite injury claims.
Florida does not make you prove the dog had bitten before. The owner is generally responsible for a bite, whether or not the dog had a history.
Kovar Law Group · St. Petersburg, Florida · 727-827-7777
Is Florida a strict liability state for dog bites?
Largely yes. Florida statute makes a dog owner liable for damage a bite causes to a person in a public place or lawfully in a private place, regardless of the dog's past behavior or the owner's knowledge of it. There are exceptions and reductions, including for a victim's own negligence and, in limited circumstances, a properly displayed 'Bad Dog' sign.
Who actually pays a dog bite claim?
Usually the owner's homeowner or renter insurance, which commonly includes liability coverage for dog bites, though some policies exclude certain breeds or prior-bite dogs. It is rarely money out of the owner's pocket, which matters because many people hesitate to pursue a claim against a neighbor, landlord, or acquaintance.
What should I do after a bite?
Get medical care, since bites carry high infection risk and rabies exposure questions. Report it to Pinellas County Animal Services or your local animal control so there is an official record and the dog's vaccination status is verified. Photograph the wounds over several days, identify the owner and any witnesses, and keep all treatment records.
What about scarring or a child's injury?
Bites frequently leave permanent scarring, especially on hands and faces, and children are bitten disproportionately and more often on the face. Future scar revision and the psychological effects of an attack are part of the picture, which is a reason not to settle before treatment is understood. Claims involving minors also have their own procedural requirements.
How long do I have to file?
Florida's filing deadline for negligence claims was shortened by the 2023 tort reform legislation, and the window that applies depends on your date of injury and the type of claim. Claims involving a government vehicle or property carry separate, much shorter notice requirements. Confirm your exact deadline with an attorney rather than assuming you have years.
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Jay Kovar · Founder