Question 1

Does homeowners insurance automatically cover dog bites in Florida?

Accepted Answer

No. Many homeowners policies restrict or exclude dog bites through endorsements, breed exclusions, or prior incident provisions. Coverage depends on the actual policy language, not assumptions based on the declarations page.

Question 2

What does Florida law say about dog owner liability?

Accepted Answer

Florida follows a strict liability rule under Fla. Stat. 767.04. A dog owner can be legally responsible for a bite even if the dog has never bitten before and had no known aggression. Liability under the statute does not guarantee insurance coverage.
For a plain-language explanation of how the statute works, see Florida’s dog bite laws explained for real cases.

Question 3

Can insurance deny coverage because of my dog’s breed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many insurers use breed exclusions or restricted breed lists. Coverage can be denied even if the dog has no bite history and has never shown aggressive behavior.

Question 4

Does renters insurance cover dog bites?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes, but renters policies are often more restrictive than homeowners insurance and may exclude dog liability entirely. A landlord’s insurance usually does not protect a tenant for injuries caused by the tenant’s dog.

Question 5

What if my dog injured someone but did not bite them?

Accepted Answer

A bite is not always required for liability or insurance issues to arise. Injuries caused by jumping, knocking someone down, or triggering a fall can still lead to claims under Florida law.
For examples of how these claims are handled, see when a dog causes injury without actually biting.

Question 6

Are dog bites involving delivery drivers treated differently?

Accepted Answer

Often yes. Dog bites involving delivery drivers or other workers frequently trigger exclusions or heightened scrutiny by insurance companies and are a common source of coverage disputes in Florida.

Question 7

Should I give a recorded statement to my insurance company?

Accepted Answer

Be cautious. Early recorded statements can affect both coverage and liability, especially when exclusions or prior incidents may apply. It helps to understand what insurers are looking for before responding.

Question 8

What happens if my policy limits are not enough?

Accepted Answer

If coverage is denied or policy limits are exhausted, the injured party may pursue the dog owner personally. This can expose assets, wages, or bank accounts depending on the circumstances.

Question 9

Should I talk to a lawyer before a dog bite lawsuit is filed?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes. Early legal guidance can help protect coverage, preserve defenses, and reduce personal exposure if a claim escalates into litigation.
For a defense-side overview, see how dog owners defend against dog bite lawsuits in Florida.

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