Profile view of a Doberman Pinscher dog with black and tan fur, mouth slightly open, against a black background.
Home » Latest Articles » Can I Sue If I Was Bit by a Dog While Visiting Someone’s Home in Florida?

Can I Sue If I Was Bit by a Dog While Visiting Someone’s Home in Florida?

If you were invited into someone’s home in Florida and their dog bit you, you may be wondering: Can I sue for my injuries? The short answer is yes—Florida law generally holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets, even if the victim was a guest. Being a friend, relative, or invited guest does not take away your right to pursue a personal injury claim.

Under Florida Statute §767.04, a dog owner is responsible if their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the owner’s home. This means you have a legal right to seek compensation if you were invited onto the property and did not provoke the dog.

Even if the dog had never bitten anyone before, or the owner had no reason to think the dog was dangerous, you can still file a claim. Florida does not require proof of negligence in these cases—the fact that the dog bit you is usually enough to establish liability.

Florida’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

Florida follows a strict liability rule for dog bites. That means the dog owner is typically liable for damages regardless of whether the dog had ever shown signs of aggression before. Unlike other states, Florida doesn’t give owners a “free bite” pass.

As long as you were lawfully on the property—such as visiting a friend’s house, attending a party, helping a neighbor, or staying overnight—you have the right to hold the dog owner accountable for your injuries.

The law applies whether the dog was on a leash, in a fenced yard, or roaming freely inside the home. If you were injured, the law is on your side. You can learn more about how strict liability works in our post on Understanding Florida’s Dog Bite Laws.

What Damages Can You Recover?

Victims of dog bites in Florida may be entitled to a wide range of compensation. This includes:

  • Medical expenses: including emergency room visits, surgeries, follow-up care, and medications
  • Lost wages: if you missed work because of the injury or had to take time off for recovery
  • Pain and suffering: for the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the bite
  • Scarring or disfigurement: especially if the bite was to the face, hands, or other visible areas
  • Emotional distress: such as anxiety, fear of dogs, or post-traumatic stress

In some severe cases, you may also be eligible to recover for long-term disability or the costs of therapy and rehabilitation. For more on how compensation is calculated, see our guide on Florida Dog Bite Settlements and Compensation.

What If the Dog Owner Is a Friend or Family Member?

It’s common to feel uncomfortable filing a claim against someone you know. But remember, in most cases, you’re not suing the person directly—you’re filing a claim against their homeowners or renters insurance policy. These policies are designed to cover personal liability, including dog bites inside the home.

You don’t need to feel guilty for protecting your health and financial future. If you’ve suffered a serious injury, you deserve medical care and compensation. Insurance exists for precisely these kinds of situations.

You can also read our article about How to Sue for a Florida Dog Bite Attack, which explains how the process works—even when you know the dog’s owner.

How to Strengthen Your Case

If you were bitten by a dog while visiting someone’s home, here are steps you should take immediately to strengthen your case:

  • Seek medical attention immediately and follow all doctor instructions
  • Photograph the injuries as soon as possible, including during the healing process
  • Write down everything you remember about the incident: where it happened, what triggered the bite, who was present
  • Get names and contact info for any witnesses
  • Report the incident to local animal control to document the bite and initiate a formal record

Also, avoid giving any statements to the dog owner’s insurance company until you’ve spoken with a lawyer. For more on what to do, check out our post on Next Steps After a Florida Dog Bite Lawsuit.

Do You Need a Lawyer for a Dog Bite Claim?

Yes—especially if your injuries required medical treatment, resulted in scarring, or caused emotional trauma. Dog bite cases can quickly become complicated, particularly when the dog owner tries to claim you provoked the dog or that the bite was an accident.

A skilled Florida dog bite lawyer can help you:

  • Deal with insurance companies
  • Gather evidence to support your claim
  • Calculate the full value of your damages
  • File your claim within the statute of limitations

At Florida Civil Counsel, P.A., we help dog bite victims throughout the state—from Orlando to Tampa, Jacksonville to Miami—understand their rights and recover what they’re owed.

Talk to a Florida Dog Bite Lawyer Today

If you were bitten by a dog while visiting someone’s home—whether as a friend, family member, or invited guest—you don’t have to deal with the aftermath alone. Florida law gives you the right to pursue compensation, and our team is here to help you understand your legal options. At Florida Civil Counsel, P.A., we have experience helping victims statewide—from Orlando to Miami and beyond—navigate the legal system and recover what they’re entitled to. Contact us today for a free consultation with a dog bite attorney who will put your needs first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Florida law allows guests who are bitten while lawfully on the property to sue the dog owner for damages.

It’s understandable to feel hesitant, but in most cases, the claim is handled through their insurance—not paid personally.

That doesn’t matter in Florida. The state’s strict liability law applies regardless of the dog’s history.

You typically have two years from the date of the bite to file a claim, under Florida’s statute of limitations.

That may become part of the defense, but it doesn’t automatically bar your claim. Speak to a lawyer about your specific facts.

Not automatically. A civil claim for damages is separate from any animal control or dangerous dog proceedings.

Related Articles