Dog bites can lead to serious injuries, long-term trauma, and unexpected medical bills. If you’ve been bitten or injured by someone’s dog in Florida, it’s essential to understand your legal rights. Florida has strict laws when it comes to dog bites and leash responsibilities, and these laws determine who is liable and when compensation may be available.
Here’s what you need to know about Florida’s leash laws and dog bite statutes. If you’re ready to get started with your case, contact a personal injury attorney for a free initial consultation.
Florida’s Leash Laws Vary by County
There isn’t one statewide leash law in Florida. Instead, leash requirements are usually set by local ordinances. That means rules can change depending on which city or county you’re in.
However, most areas in Florida do have similar expectations: dogs must be on a leash or otherwise confined when outside their home or yard. For example, in Jacksonville, leashes are required for dogs in all public places.
Failing to follow local leash laws can make a dog’s owner more likely to be held liable if the animal bites someone.
Florida’s Dog Bite Liability Law
Florida follows a legal framework called strict liability for dog bites. This means a dog owner can be held legally responsible for a bite, even if the dog has never shown signs of aggression before.
Under Florida Statutes § 767.04, a dog owner is liable if:
- The victim was bitten in a public place: OR
- The bite occurred while the victim was lawfully on private property, including the dog owner’s property.
It doesn’t matter if the dog had never bitten anyone before or if the owner didn’t know the dog was dangerous. The owner is responsible as long as the victim wasn’t trespassing or provoking the dog.
Can a Dog Owner Avoid Liability?
There are some limited defenses that a dog owner might try to use. For instance, if the victim was trespassing on private property at the time of the bite, they may not be entitled to full compensation.
Likewise, if the owner had visible warning signs such as “Beware of Dog” posted on their property, and the victim was not a child under six years old, that might limit the owner’s liability.
Additionally, if the dog was provoked (such as being teased, hit, or startled), that could also impact the amount of compensation the injured person can receive.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Florida
If a dog has bitten you or someone close to you, your actions right after the bite can impact your ability to file a claim later.
Here are a few steps to keep in mind:
- Get medical treatment immediately. Minor bites can still lead to infections or serious complications.
- Report the incident to local animal control or law enforcement. They may investigate and determine if the dog is dangerous.
- Identify the dog owner and get their contact and insurance information.
- Take photos of your injuries and the scene of the attack if possible.
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters until you talk with a lawyer.
It can benefit your case to get legal advice as early on in the process as possible.
Contact the Jacksonville Dog Bite Lawyers at Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you were bitten by a dog, Florida law may entitle you to compensation for both your economic and non-economic damages. However, you may need to act quickly to preserve your legal rights with help from an experienced Jacksonville dog bite attorney at Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers.
Our personal injury lawyers offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they don’t get paid unless they recover compensation for you. Reach out today to learn about your best course of action.
We serve Duval County, St. Johns County, and its surrounding areas:
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville
9471 Baymeadows Rd #105,
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 396-1100
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Downtown Jacksonville
121 W Forsyth St Suite 1000,
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 822-4225
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Ponte Vedra
480 Town Plaza Ave #130,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081
(904) 675-1167