Article
Dog Bites in Florida: Who Is Responsible and What Changes a Claim
October 1, 2026 • 5 min read
Dog bites can cause deep puncture wounds, infections, nerve damage, scarring, and lasting fear, especially for children. After the first aid and the shock, many people are unsure whether the dog's owner is responsible, particularly if the dog is a neighbor's or a friend's.
Florida has a specific dog bite law, section 767.04 of the Florida Statutes. This guide explains how it works in plain English. It is general information, not legal advice.
Florida's basic rule
A dog's owner is liable for damages when the dog bites someone who is in a public place, or lawfully in a private place, including the owner's own property. This applies regardless of whether the dog was ever vicious before and regardless of whether the owner knew of any viciousness. In other words, there is no 'one free bite' in Florida.
The 'Bad Dog' sign exception
The owner is generally not liable if a sign that is easy to read and includes the words 'Bad Dog' was displayed in a prominent place on the property at the time of the bite. That exception has limits. It does not protect the owner when the person bitten is under 6 years old, and it does not apply when the bite was caused by the owner's own negligent act or omission.
Shared fault can reduce what is owed
If the person who was bitten did something careless that helped cause the bite, such as provoking the dog, the owner's liability is reduced by that person's percentage of fault. Insurance adjusters often look closely at this.
Who usually pays
Many dog bite claims are paid through the owner's homeowners or renters insurance, although some policies exclude certain breeds or dogs with a bite history. Florida's deadline for most negligence claims is two years from the date of injury since 2023, so it is worth acting well before then.
What to do after a bite
Get medical care, since dog bites carry real infection risk. Photograph the wounds over several days as they change. Get the owner's name, address, and the dog's vaccination information. Report the bite to local animal control. Write down where it happened and whether any warning signs were posted.
Bottom line
In Florida, dog owners are generally responsible for bites, with a few specific exceptions. If you or your child was bitten, keep records from day one, and get a free review to understand whether a claim may make sense.
Hurt in a Florida accident in the last two years?
Request a free, no-obligation case review. No attorney-client relationship is formed unless a written agreement is signed.
Start My Free Case ReviewKeep reading
Article
An Uninsured Driver Hit Me in Florida. Now What?
Florida does not require drivers to carry bodily injury coverage, so many at-fault drivers have little or none. Here is how uninsured motorist coverage may fill the gap.
5 min read
Article
Headaches After a Car Accident: Why They Start Later and When to Worry
A headache that starts hours or days after a crash is common, and it is not always minor. Here is what can cause it, which signs need care right away, and why records matter.
5 min read
Article
The Pain You Can't See After an Accident: Back Pain, Headaches, Tingling, and Delayed Symptoms
Some accident symptoms show up hours or days later. Here is what to watch for, why documentation matters, and when to seek a legal review.
7 min read