Fla. Bar No. 1048733 · Former judicial clerk, Fourth Judicial Circuit
Last reviewed October 2026
Is a dog owner always responsible for a bite in Florida?
Usually. Florida's dog bite statute makes owners liable regardless of the dog's history or the owner's knowledge of viciousness.
There are limits. A prominently posted "Bad Dog" sign can be a defense for bites on the owner's property, but not when the victim is under 6 or when the owner's own negligence caused the bite. Your recovery can also be reduced if you are found partly at fault, for example by provoking the dog.
What should I do after a dog bite?
Get medical care, report the bite to Animal Care & Protective Services, photograph the wounds as they heal, and get the owner's name and address.
The bite report helps confirm the dog's vaccination status and identifies the owner. Photographs over time show scarring, which matters for the value of the claim.
Who pays for a dog bite claim?
Most dog bite claims are paid by the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy.
Some policies exclude certain breeds or dogs with prior incidents. Part of my job is finding every policy that may apply, including a landlord's in some situations.
Common questions
What if the dog bit my child?
Children are injured more seriously and more often in the face. The "Bad Dog" sign defense does not apply to children under 6. Scarring and future plastic surgery are part of the claim.
How long do I have to bring a dog bite claim?
Plan on two years from the date of the bite. That is the deadline for negligence claims, and it is the safe deadline to work from. Do not count on any longer period.
I know the dog owner. Do I have to sue my neighbor?
Most claims are resolved with the owner's insurance company, not out of the owner's pocket.
This page is general information about Florida law, not legal advice for your situation.