Florida Dog Bite Owner Laws

Strict Liability for Dog Bites in Florida

Animal attacks can inflict severe lacerations, nerve damage, and lasting psychological trauma. Florida handles dog bite cases differently than many other states by enforcing a strict liability standard against dog owners.

Florida Statute § 767.04: Strict Liability Rule

In Florida, a dog owner is strictly liable for damages if their dog bites someone who is in a public place or lawfully on private property. Key aspects of this statute include:

• No "One-Free-Bite" Rule: Victims do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was aggressive or had bitten someone in the past.
• Lawful Presence: Visitors, delivery drivers, and invited guests are protected under the statute.
• Impact of "Bad Dog" Signs: If the owner displays a prominent sign including the words "Bad Dog," liability may be reduced unless the victim is under six years old or the owner was negligent.

Comparative Negligence Offsets

If the defense proves the victim provoked the dog or contributed to the incident, the owner's financial liability is reduced proportionally by the victim's percentage of fault.

Under Fla. Stat. § 95.11, dog bite claims must be filed within two years of the incident.