Florida Dog Bite Defense
Florida’s Premier Dog Bite Defense Attorneys
Owning a dog in Florida is rewarding—but it also carries serious responsibilities. Under Florida’s strict liability laws, a single incident can result in a lawsuit, even if your dog has never bitten anyone before. Many owners are blindsided by demand letters seeking tens of thousands of dollars for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
At Florida Civil Counsel, P.A., we defend dog owners across Florida, including Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, Pensacola, and surrounding communities. If you’ve been served with a lawsuit or contacted by an insurance company, the steps you take now will shape your future. Our attorneys are here to protect you, your finances, and your peace of mind.
For Orlando-area cases, visit our dedicated page on Orlando dog bite defense.
What Happens if I’m Sued for a Dog Bite in Florida?
When someone sues over a dog bite, the claim usually includes:
- Medical expenses such as ER visits, rabies or tetanus shots, and follow-up care
- Lost income if the alleged victim missed work
- Pain and suffering damages, which often make up the bulk of the claim
- Property damage like torn clothing or injury to another pet
Even seemingly “minor” cases can turn into lawsuits demanding tens of thousands of dollars. Without proper legal representation, you risk a default judgment, garnished wages, or liens against your property. Having a Florida dog bite defense attorney on your side is essential.
How Much Can Someone Sue for a Dog Bite in Florida?
The amount sought in these lawsuits varies widely. Plaintiffs often demand:
- Thousands of dollars for emergency room care
- Rabies or tetanus treatments, which can run into the thousands
- Surgical procedures or plastic surgery for scarring or nerve damage
- Lost wages for missed work
- Long-term therapy or counseling for emotional distress
In serious cases, plaintiffs may ask for six figures or more. But just because someone demands it doesn’t mean they’ll get it. At Florida Civil Counsel, we know how to challenge inflated claims and fight for a fair result.
You can learn more about our defense strategies in our Florida personal injury defense overview.
Florida’s Dog Bite Laws Explained
Florida is one of the toughest states for dog owners, following a strict liability system under Florida Statute § 767.04.
This means:
- You may be held liable even if your dog never bit anyone before.
- The law applies no matter the breed or history of the dog.
- Liability can arise in public places or on your own property, as long as the visitor was lawfully there.
But defenses exist. Liability may be reduced—or eliminated—if the victim was trespassing, provoked the dog, or ignored clear warnings. Our attorneys understand how to raise these defenses effectively. See how our Orlando dog bite defense lawyers apply these strategies across Central Florida.
Will My Homeowners Insurance Cover a Dog Bite?
Many clients’ first question is whether insurance will step in. Some homeowners and renters policies provide coverage, while others exclude dog bites or certain breeds. If your insurance carrier refuses to defend you, you could face personal exposure.
Our firm:
- Reviews your policy for exclusions and loopholes
- Negotiates directly with adjusters
- Challenges wrongful denials in court if necessary
For more information about how insurance disputes can play into these cases, see our page on Florida Dog Bite Insurance Claims.
Do I Have to Go to Court?
Not every case ends up in front of a judge. Many dog bite lawsuits in Florida are resolved before trial through settlements or insurance payouts.
However, if the plaintiff refuses to be reasonable, insurance denies coverage, or strong defenses exist, litigation may be necessary. If that happens, our team is prepared to appear on your behalf and fight your case in court.
Why Dog Owners Choose Florida Civil Counsel, P.A.
- Knowledge of Florida law – including strict liability rules and recognized defenses
- Custom defense strategies – every case is unique, and so is our approach
- Protection of your assets – we work to shield your wages, savings, and property from claims
- Settlement and trial experience – skilled negotiators who are also courtroom-ready
- Statewide representation – from Orlando to Miami, we defend dog owners across Florida
We also handle related defense cases, including wrongful death defense and car accident defense.
How We Build Your Dog Bite Defense
Our attorneys leave nothing to chance. A typical defense strategy includes:
- Investigating the incident – police reports, animal control records, and medical files
- Analyzing provocation – whether the victim’s actions contributed to the event
- Securing witness testimony – independent accounts that support your case
- Raising legal defenses – trespassing, assumption of risk, or “Bad Dog” sign protections
- Preparing for trial – even when settlement is likely, being trial-ready gives you leverage
Our goal is simple: reduce your exposure, limit financial consequences, and protect your future.
Florida Civil Counsel, P.A. – Standing With Dog Owners
Being sued for a dog bite is stressful, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Florida Civil Counsel, P.A., we provide statewide defense for dog owners, guiding you through every step of the process and fighting to protect your rights.
Call us today at (407) 426-4444, use our live chat feature, or submit an online case evaluation. The sooner you reach out, the stronger your defense will be.
