Dog Bite Liability in Florida: Who's Responsible?

Getting bitten by a dog can mean serious injuries, painful scarring, and a stack of medical bills. Florida's strict liability law is designed to make sure the dog's owner — not you — carries that cost.

Florida's strict liability law for dog bites

Florida Statute 767.04 makes dog owners liable for bites that occur in a public place or while the injured person is lawfully on private property — even if the dog has never bitten anyone before and the owner had no reason to believe it was dangerous.

When the owner may not be liable

Liability generally does not apply if you were trespassing, or if a visible "Bad Dog" sign was posted and you ignored it as a warning (though this exception has limits and doesn't apply to children under 6).

What to do immediately after a dog bite

• Get medical attention right away — dog bites carry a high infection risk.
• Get the owner's name, address, and proof of the dog's rabies vaccination.
• Photograph the wound, the location, and any posted signage.
• Report the bite to local animal control.

What compensation may be available

Dog bite injuries often involve deep puncture wounds, nerve damage, and permanent scarring, especially in children. Compensation can cover medical treatment (including reconstructive surgery), lost income, and pain and suffering.

Why these cases benefit from legal help

Homeowner's or renter's insurance often covers dog bite claims, but insurers still dispute severity, scarring value, and prior incidents. An attorney can handle the claim while you focus on recovery.