Dog Bite Laws in Florida: What Victims Need to Know

November 5, 2025

Florida Dog Bite Laws: Strict Liability Applies

Florida follows a strict liability rule when it comes to dog bites. This means a dog owner can be held legally responsible if their dog bites someone, even if the animal has never shown signs of aggression before.

Florida Statute 767.04 holds owners liable if:

The victim was lawfully in a public or private place, including the owner’s property.
The bite caused personal injuries, such as a bite wound, infection, or permanent scarring.
The victim was not provoking the dog.

This differs from other states that apply a “one-bite” rule. In Florida, the owner’s knowledge of prior aggression doesn’t matter. Bitten victims have a legal pathway to pursue a claim.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

If you or someone you love is bitten by a dog or other animal, it’s critical to act quickly and prioritize your health.

Step-by-step response:

Stop the bleeding using a clean cloth or sterile bandage.
Wash the bite wound with soap and running water.
Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a clean dressing.
Seek medical attention immediately, especially if the wound is deep, bleeding severely, or shows signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, or pain).
Ask about a tetanus shot and rabies vaccination, particularly if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown.
Report the incident to local authorities or animal control.
Contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your options.

Even minor-looking bites can lead to complications like infectious diseases, cellulitis, and tetanus. According to the National Library of Medicine, dog bites are a major source of emergency visits, especially for children and older adults.

Infection Risks: Rabies and Beyond

While rabies is considered rare in domestic dogs, animal bites from stray animals, wild animals, or unknown pets carry a higher risk. Bats, skunks, raccoons, and foxes are all known rabies carriers. These wild animals are not subject to regular rabies vaccination, which makes prompt medical care essential.

Watch for signs of infection, especially near the head, neck, or deep wounds. Prompt treatment with antibiotics, thorough cleaning, and wound monitoring by a healthcare professional are all key to reducing risks.

Special Considerations for Children

Never leave young children unsupervised around unfamiliar dogs. Kids are more likely to suffer serious injuries to the face, head, and neck because of their size. Teach children not to approach aggressive animals, touch a dog while it’s eating, or walk near one without permission from the owner.

How Carl Reynolds Law Helps Dog Bite Victims

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Psychological trauma
Future healthcare needs

Our attorneys investigate the client’s case thoroughly, documenting the bite, identifying responsible parties, and building a strong claim. We guide our clients through every step of the legal process and fight for fair results.

We’ve worked with accident victims, children, and adults who have suffered from dog bites, cat scratches, and other serious injuries.

Is There a Time Limit to File a Dog Bite Claim?

Yes. In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims—including dog bites—is generally two years from the date of injury. Don’t wait to seek legal services. Early investigation improves your chances of a successful outcome.

Don’t Ignore the Dangers of Dog Bites

Dog bites may seem minor at first, but they can lead to lifelong consequences. If you’ve been injured by a dog, cat, or other animal, don’t suffer in silence. Let Carl Reynolds Law help you fight for what you’re owed.