Am I Legally Responsible If My Dog Bites Someone?

Yes. In the state of Florida an owner of a domesticated dog is liable for any injuries that their dog causes to any other person, if that person is in a public place or lawfully in a private place including the property of the dog owner. A dog owner is also liable if their dog bites and injures someone else's pet or livestock. The owner of a dog who bites a person, pet or livestock will be responsible even if the dog has no history of biting.

Other Florida Pet Law FAQs

Q: What If My Dog Bites Someone Who Is Trespassing On My Property?
A: If your dog bites someone who is trespassing on your property or in your home, you will not be held responsible. Therefore, if your dog acts as a guard dog and it … More
Q: Is There Any Way That I Can Avoid Being Liable For Injuries That My Dog May Cause To Persons Who Are Lawfully On My Property?
A: Under Florida Statute Section 767.04, if you display a sign that reads Bad Dog, which is placed in the plain sight of any guests you may be able to avoid liability if … More
Q: Am I Still Liable If My Dog Bites Someone Because That Person Was Provoking My Dog?
A: You may still be liable. However, if the person whom your dog bit was provoking the dog or acting in some other manner that contributed to the incident, your liability … More
Q: I Have Read That Some Dogs Are Classified As A Dangerous Dog In Florida? What Does This Mean?
A: A dangerous dog is a classification given to a dog by the proper animal authority in your jurisdiction. A jurisdiction's animal authority will find a dog dangerous if … More
Q: How Is It Determined Whether My Dog Is A Dangerous Dog?
A: An animal control officer will investigate your dog if any incident is reported to animal control regarding your dog. As part of this investigation you may be … More
Q: What Do I Need To Do If My Dog Is Determined To Be A Dangerous Dog?
A: If your dog is found to be dangerous you are entitled to a hearing to challenge that finding. If after a hearing is held at a county court, your dog is found to be … More
Q: What Can Happen If My Dangerous Dog Bites Somebody?
A: If your dog, that has previously been found to be a dangerous dog, bites another person, domesticated animal or livestock without being provoked you, as the owner, may … More
Q: Can My Dog Be Killed By Animal Control If It Bites Somebody And Was Never Found To Be A Dangerous Dog?
A: It depends. If you dog, which has not be found to be a dangerous dog, causes severe injury or death to a human being it may be detained by animal control for 10 days, … More
Q: What If My Dangerous Dog Bites Someone Who Is Attempting To Enter My Property Illegally Or Commit A Crime?
A: If your dog, whether it is considered dangerous or not, bites someone who is attempting to enter your property illegally or commit another crime animal control cannot … More
Q: My Dog Has Killed Sheep Before. Does This Have Any Legal Affect On How I Need To Care For My Animal?
A: Yes. If any dog that has been known to kill sheep is found unattended in the open wilderness, it will be considered a runabout dog, and the dog can be lawfully …